October 17, 2015

Support for a Liberal Government

Liberal candidates are seeking to earn the support of communities all across Canada

[TORONTO] In the final days of the federal election, Liberal candidates met with media to talk about what this election is about, and why it is an important one for Chinese Canadians.

Arnold Chan, first Chinese Canadian Liberal MP from GTA and candidate for Scarborough Agincourt was joined by Shaun Chen, former Chair of the Toronto District School Board and candidate for Scarborough North, Bang-Gu Jiang, respected lawyer and candidate for Markham Unionville, and Geng Tan, distinguished scientist and candidate for Don Valley North. With them in show of support was the Honourable Michael Chan, highly respected and the longest serving Chinese Canadian cabinet minister in Canada’s history.

Last 10 years of Harper government has brought about one scandal after another. Their record of divisive and  fear based politics was on full display during this 78 day campaign, ranging from:

• Mike Duffy senate expense scandal
• Lack of compassion to refugee crisis even when photos came out of the little boy on the beach
• Creating unnecessary fear among Canadians over the Niqab and ‘barbaric cultural practices’
• Leading one of the worst economic performances in 10 years
• Broken immigration system

This divisiveness and fear has only gotten worse through this campaign. Canada’s 42nd election can be labeled as one of the nastiest and most shameful election campaigns in our history, besides being one of our longest. In a self serving move to win power, Harper Conservatives have divided Canadians into “Old Stock Canadians” and new immigrants, driven a wedge between neighbours, and have put fear into hearts and minds of Canadians.

In a bottom of the barrel scraping move, Harper Conservatives released one of their most negative campaign advertisements just to the Chinese and Punjabi communities. It is important to ask  if the Conservatives believe their advertisement to be true, why will they not publish it nationally? Why single out two specific communities?

Because they know it to be misinformation. And, are using it to target and deceive new Canadians.

It is time to stop the divisive and fear mongering politics of the Conservatives. It is time for real change in Canada, and a better government in Ottawa. Canadians, including the Chinese Canadian community must stand up and ensure their voice is heard for a NEW government. One that is compassionate, welcoming to all, and ready for the challenge to make Canada better – a Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau.

On Monday, October 19th, please vote. Voting stations will be open from 9:30am to 9:30pm.

Finally, a thank-you to all the hard working media in the Chinese community for their tremendous coverage during this important election over the last 78 days.