By Canadian Press

Ontario Progressive Conservative Vincent Ke resigns from caucus, sits as Independent

Mar 10, 2023 | 7:11 PM

TORONTO — A Progressive Conservative member of Ontario’s provincial parliament has resigned from caucus.

Premier Doug Ford’s office says in a release Friday that Vincent Ke, the member for Don Valley North, will sit as an Independent.

The statement says Ke faces serious allegations that deserve his full undivided attention as he works to clear his name but does not say what the allegations are.

Global News is reporting that Ke served as a financial intermediary in Chinese Communist Party election interference schemes.

Citing unnamed sources, Global says Ke received around $50,000 from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto that was channeled through a series of intermediaries.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Ke, who was first elected in 2018 and re-elected last June, has denied the allegations.

“While the allegations against Mr. Ke are not proven, they are serious and deserve his full and undivided attention as he works to clear his name,” Ford’s office said in the statement.

“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Ke offered to step away from the Ontario PC caucus to sit as an independent. The Premier agreed and has accepted his resignation effective immediately.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2023

The Canadian Press