Calls for Chu to resign amid details of inappropriate conduct with minor
Posted Oct 20, 2021 8:29 am.
Last Updated Oct 20, 2021 1:45 pm.
With Calgary Councillor-elect Sean Chu facing increased pressure to step down following revelations he was disciplined for inappropriate conduct involving an underage girl while he was a police officer over two decades ago, more people in the communities he represents are speaking out.
The allegations recently came to light following a CBC story detailing a 1997 incident where Chu was disciplined for having inappropriate physical contact with a 16-year-old girl while he was a police officer.
Chu addressed the situation, confirming he was in fact disciplined for his actions, but that he didn’t know the girl was underage, saying they met at an establishment where minors weren’t allowed. Other media reports indicate that’s not true, although CityNews has been unable to verify those reports.
READ MORE: Sean Chu allegations involving a minor treated seriously, CPS says of 1997 investigation
A protest is now planned for Sunday afternoon outside City Hall calling on Chu to resign, with politicians also saying he should remove himself to avoid being more of a distraction.
“It’s pretty horrifying,” protest organizer Amanda Hu said about the reports that emerged just ahead of election day. “I’m a member of a Ward 4 community, and to know that voters were not aware of his conduct and that this was just brought out, I just don’t think that he’s fit to represent us.”
The protest page on Facebook has already received dozens of responses, and Hu says people should bring their voices and some street chalk so it is clear how they feel about the situation.
Community associations are also exploring what can be done right now and also how to ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future.
“There are so many processes that failed here,” said Elise Biech, president of the Highland Park Community Association. “The (Calgary Police Service) process failed. The process where candidates are screened failed. We need to fix this.”
Mayor-elect Jyoti Gondek said it would be best if Chu steps down because of this, and will pursue any other actions that can be taken at a municipal level. Other newly elected members of council have also taken to social media to offer their comments.
1/ I was elected to to #yyccc to use my voice. To stand up and stand against the systems which hold us back.
I am a victim of assault. I am the parent of girls. I and other women deserve a safe and respectful workplace.
My values lead me and I cannot be quiet.
RE: Chu
— Kourtney Penner (@kourtpenner) October 20, 2021
My statement on Sean Chu. #yyc #yyccc pic.twitter.com/sQA7AzfqlN
— Jennifer Wyness (@JenniferWyness) October 20, 2021
Premier Jason Kenney was also asked about the situation on Tuesday, but said there is little than can be done due to laws in the Municipal Government Act. There are specific reasons covering the disqualification of a councillor, including that they must be convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for five years or more.
Kenney did say that if the allegations are proven true, then it would be best for Chu to resign.
“I understand these incidents occurred 23 years ago and I don’t have all the facts in front of me, but there are clearly serious issues that need to be answered fully and transparently about what happened, about what legal, criminal, or disciplinary measures were taken,” Kenney said.
“And if there was a failure in the system, we need to know what that was.”
RELATED: Incumbent Sean Chu narrowly avoids defeat in Ward 4, recount expected
Since Chu’s discipline was handled internally by the police, which resulted in a letter that remained on his record for five years, it does not meet the threshold. However, Kenney has directed Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver to look into it more, as the Alberta NDP is also calling for an official investigation.
It is unconscionable that Sean Chu be allowed to sit as a Calgary city councillor. The allegations against him are very serious. We are demanding that Minister @RicMcIver immediately order an inquiry into this matter. There is no debate. Do the right thing. Now. #ableg #yyccc pic.twitter.com/PykcMg0v5J
— Janis Irwin (@JanisIrwin) October 19, 2021
Sean! Step down!The 16 year old girl you assaulted while you were on duty—in a position of authority has carried this for 24 years. Those are the facts. #stepdown
— Hon. Leela Sharon Aheer ECA (@LeelaAheer) October 20, 2021
For the people in Ward 4, they feel they did not get adequate information about Chu before election day and it’s not fair.
“I know there’s people who voted early before they knew about this, and that’s something that they feel like they have to bear the moral burden of that,” said Hu. “If he is unwilling to resign, our second ask is for public officials to put public pressure on him.”
“This is really frustrating. I think Ward 4 and the City of Calgary deserve more than this,” Bieche added. “This is taking away from the incredible accomplishment of having way more women elected. We have a woman as mayor, and instead, the City of Calgary and Ward 4 are trending because of one bad egg.
If Chu steps down or is removed from office, it would spark the first by-election for a Calgary council seat since 2005. There are already requests for a recount in the ward as Chu pulled off a victory by only 52 votes over DJ Kelly.
