Arnold Chan

Canadian MP Arnold Chan

Arnold Chan (June 10, 1967 – September 14, 2017) was a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Scarborough—Agincourt in Toronto, Ontario, from a 2014 by-election until his death in 2017. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, Chan was known for his dedication to civil discourse in politics and his advocacy for cancer research and awareness.

Early Life and Education

Arnold Chan was born in Toronto, Ontario, to immigrant parents from Hong Kong. He demonstrated an early interest in politics and public service. Chan pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He furthered his studies at the University of British Columbia, obtaining a law degree.

Political Career

Chan's political career began in the early 1990s when he became involved with the Liberal Party of Canada. He worked behind the scenes in various capacities, including as a policy advisor and campaign manager for several Liberal politicians. His dedication and expertise in policy-making and campaign strategy were well recognized within the party.

In 2014, following the resignation of the previous MP, Jim Karygiannis, Arnold Chan was nominated as the Liberal candidate for the Scarborough—Agincourt by-election. He won the election, marking the beginning of his tenure as a Member of Parliament. During his time in office, Chan was a vocal advocate for a more respectful tone in parliamentary discourse, urging his colleagues across all party lines to engage in more constructive and less adversarial debate.

Chan served on several parliamentary committees and was particularly passionate about issues related to health, the environment, and the rights of immigrants and refugees. He was an advocate for increased funding for cancer research, a cause close to his heart after his own diagnosis with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2015.

Personal Life

Arnold Chan was married to Jean Yip, with whom he had three sons. His battle with cancer was public, and he often spoke about his experiences and the need for better healthcare policies and cancer support services.

Legacy

Arnold Chan's legacy is marked by his call for kindness, respect, and understanding in political discourse. In one of his final speeches to the House of Commons, he implored his fellow MPs to elevate the level of debate and to remember the dignity of the parliamentary process. His words resonated widely, sparking discussions about the nature of political communication in Canada.

Chan's work in the realm of cancer advocacy also left a lasting impact, with many continuing his call for increased research funding and support for those affected by the disease.

Death

Arnold Chan passed away on September 14, 2017, after a battle with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. His death was met with tributes from across the political spectrum, highlighting his contributions to Canadian politics and his efforts to foster a more respectful and productive political environment.