Public Eye: Federal Election
Fri, November 25 2005
British Columbia’s ethnically diverse communities will play key roles in deciding who forms the next Canadian government. Politicians are planning nasty and aggressive campaigns to court the Asian-Canadian vote over the next eight weeks as they pound the wintry pavements in B.C.’s 36 ridings.
But just what are the defining issues for the Asian-Canadian voter?
Do the politicians wanting your vote understand the needs of the new Canadian or are they just full of empty promises?
Do you feel that your community is being baited by candidates with the same roots or are new immigrants savvy enough to search for representatives who will reflect Canada’s social, ethnic, and geographic diversity?
Are the politicians working for the long-term public interest of new Canadians or short-term partisan interests?
The Asian Pacific Post took these questions to new Canadians. Here is what they had to say.
Businessman, Richmond
They always fall short of attending to the needs of Asians. Still there is discrimination. We hope this will change. Politicians focus more on the economy.
Elementary teacher, Vancouver
What they know is all business. They don’t know our culture, how we assimilate. What they only understand are our consumer needs in the old country.
Volunteer, Burnaby
Politicians always skirt issues. We’ve seen them come and go. It doesn’t matter what party they’re representing. They make promises because they want votes. They deliver some and it’s not we expect after the election. They’re aware of the issues and they address them only to some extent.
Inventory clerk, Vancouver
I don’t think politicians care. They know they’re in a position to change the system which makes it hard for immigrants to integrate but they’re not doing anything. Educated and experienced immigrants are having a hard time getting back into their professions. Some fall into depression because they can’t find jobs.
Bhavika Duggal
College student, Richmond
College student, Richmond
Politicians have to come out of their shells. They don’t exert much effort to understand the needs and thinking of new Canadians so they don’t know much. They should also do more in the areas of taxation, health care and education. Schools are jampacked with students. There are less doctors and more people who are lining up for hospital treatment.
Kelly Sumal
Clerk, Surrey
They don’t even come close to understanding our needs. There’s not enough programs to help new immigrants settle.
Clerk, Surrey
They don’t even come close to understanding our needs. There’s not enough programs to help new immigrants settle.
Tina Mac
Beauty stylist, Vancouver
Politicians are all the same. They break their promises.
Beauty stylist, Vancouver
Politicians are all the same. They break their promises.
Raymound Young
Store supervisor, Vancouver
I’m too busy at work — 14 hours a day — to vote. No time.
Store supervisor, Vancouver
I’m too busy at work — 14 hours a day — to vote. No time.
