MLA Jordan Kealy pleads not guilty in sexual assault case

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

FORT ST. JOHN — Independent British Columbia legislator Jordan Kealy has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in the first court appearance in the case in a Fort St. John courtroom.

Kealy was charged over allegations dating back to between January and September of 2024, before he was elected as a B.C. Conservative member of the legislature in October of the same year.

During Monday’s appearance, Kealy’s lawyer also requested a judge-and-jury trial.

His next appearance is set for Aug. 10, also in Fort St. John court.

Kealy was charged in June and has denied the allegations, saying he is innocent and “will prove that in court.”

He was elected as a B.C. Conservative MLA representing the riding of Peace River North, but left the party last year to sit as an Independent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 6, 2026.