MP-elect Kevin Vuong says he will sit as an independent amid calls to resign
Amid calls for his resignation, MP-elect Kevin Vuong reiterated that he plans to represent Spadina-Fort York as an independent in the House of Commons.
Vuong released a new statement Saturday evening, announcing his intentions to keep his job.
"I have decided to continue as an Independent Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York and will work hard to serve the community," Vuong said.
In the statement, he also apologized for "the lack the disclosure."
The MP-elect was removed as the Liberal Party's candidate for Spadina-Fort York two days before the election following a Toronto Star report that revealed Vuong faced a sexual assault charge in 2019 that was later dropped by the Crown.
His latest statement comes a day after the riding's former Liberal MP Adam Vaughan urged Vuong to relinquish the seat. Speaking to CP24 Friday, Vaughan said Vuong lied and was not forthcoming during the vetting process.
"The reason he needs to resign is very clear. One, the mandate is compromised. He didn't earn it with a clear vote and didn't get a clear mandate," Vaughan said.
The revelation of Vuong's past charge came after thousands had already cast their vote in advanced polls. He also still appeared as the Liberal candidate on the ballot on election day as it was too late to remove him.
Vuong won the downtown Toronto riding with 38.9 per cent of the vote.
Since winning the seat, residents in the riding and officials have called for Vuong to step down.
Vaughan said he told the MP-elect to resign to show respect to the residents and that a byelection should be called to determine who will represent the riding in Ottawa.
He said Vuong ignored the advice.
"I warned him that in doing so, he was going to create significant problems for himself," Vaughan said.
"If he takes office, he will take office under this cloud. He will take office in a way that is quite controversial and without, as I said, a clear mandate."
Vuong has refused to talk to the media but has denied the allegations against him and said in an earlier statement issued earlier this week that he will "address them at a later date more wholly in a dedicated forum."
In that same statement, he acknowledged that "not everyone is happy" he was elected.
“I appreciate that not everyone is happy with my election, and I very much understand why it is different in my case," he said. "For those who feel this way, I understand the source of your doubts and I will work hard to earn your trust."
- with files from Codi Wilson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.