Richmond City Coun. Chak Au won't be resigning from city council despite being elected to federal government.
The Conservative member of Parliament-elect for Richmond Centre-Marpole told the Richmond News, via text message, that "after much careful thought and consultation," he won't resign his council seat so as not to trigger a costly byelection that could be more than $1 million.
"This was not an easy decision, as I weighed the pros and cons thoroughly," he said.
Au will step down from his Metro Vancouver roles and city council committee assignments. He'll also step down from the Regional Parks and Indigenous Relations Committee.
"However, I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities as a Councillor and participate in Council and Standing Committee meetings," he said.
As for "double dipping" - receiving both a councillor and MP salary - Au said he'll donate his council salary to local charities. A full list will be provided at the end of the year, he added.
Au beat incumbent Liberal MP Wilson Miao in the April 28 election.
The Liberals won 169 seats in the federal election to form a minority government.
Au will be part of the 142-seat opposition Conservatives.
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