B.C. independent MLA Jordan Kealy is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Legislative Assembly of B.C. (Mandatory Credit)

By The Canadian Press

Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

Jun 4, 2026 | 9:05 AM

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Prosecution Service has announced that Independent legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault over allegations dating back to before his election.

He was elected in October 2024 to represent Peace River North, and the service said in a statement on Thursday that the alleged offence occurred between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20 of that year in Fort St. John.

Kealy said in a statement that he is innocent of the accusation and will prove it in court.

“In the meantime, it will be business as usual, advocating for my constituents and region,” the statement said.

The service said special prosecutor Gail Barnes was appointed on Feb. 9 involving an investigation by the Prince George RCMP into the allegations against Kealy.

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It said Barnes, a senior Vancouver lawyer in private practice, was appointed to avoid potential improper influence in the administration of justice.

Kealy was charged on Wednesday and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Fort St. John on July 6.

“Following consultation with the special prosecutor, the BCPS concluded that issuing a media statement was appropriate at this time,” the service said.

“As these matters are now before the court, neither the special prosecutor nor the BCPS will be releasing additional information or commenting further at this time.”

New Democrat MLA Jennifer Whiteside released a statement about Kealy on Thursday, saying it was inappropriate for someone facing such serious criminal charges to continue to serve as a member of the legislature.

“His constituents deserve an MLA that they can have confidence in and who is focused solely on the job of representing them.”

Kealy left the Conservatives last year to sit as an Independent as he called for the resignation of then-leader John Rustad.

But he said in a statement last week that if Kerry-Lynne Findlay won the leadership of the B.C. Conservatives, he would return to the party.

“If Kerry gets in and she invites me, I might not be an Independent anymore,” he said in a Facebook video posted on May 28, two days ahead of the leadership announcement.

Findlay won the leadership on Saturday. She couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Whiteside, who’s also the labour minister, said Findlay should tell Kealy to step down immediately.

“She enthusiastically accepted his support throughout the leadership race, including standing on stage with him just days ago. She has been clear about her plans to bring him back into the caucus,” Whiteside said.

She said B.C. residents deserve to know when Kealy was notified of the complaint and when Findlay learned of it.

“The special prosecutor was appointed four months ago. During most of that time, Kealy has been actively campaigning alongside Findlay,” Whiteside said.

“This is the first major test of Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. British Columbians deserve clear and unequivocal answers from her.”

Kealy is the second sitting B.C. legislator facing criminal charges.

Former B.C. Conservative Hon Chan was charged in March with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats in a case of alleged intimate partner violence, prompting his removal from the party caucus.

The Richmond Centre legislator said he “disagreed with the allegation” and has rejected calls for his resignation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press