1）As a first-generation immigrant, why did you choose Canada? What are your impressions of Canada, and could you share some valuable experiences from your life after immigrating?
Before immigrating to Canada, I studied in Belgium, Europe for two years, where I earned a master’s degree in applied computer science. At that time, I didn’t have a particularly strong desire to immigrate。 I simply felt that while I was young, I should explore the world, broaden my horizons, and gain experience. My knowledge of Canada came from the article 《In Memory of Norman Bethune》. Dr. Bethune’s selflessness, humanitarian spirit, and dedication to helping others deeply moved many including me. Friends who had immigrated to Canada told me it was a beautiful and peaceful country with kind people later. That sparked my desire to immigrate to Canada.
It’s been 25 years since I immigrated here, and my three children were all born here. Canada is indeed a country rich in resources and blessed with stunning natural landscapes. As an immigration country , Canada’s embrace of diversity and inclusion as core values is wise and attractive. The peaceful coexistence of various ethnic groups here is something that other countries can learn from. Canadians show a good example of coexistence. Canada was respected worldwide for its peaceful and friendly nature.
However, in recent years, Canada’s international image has been declining. It has strayed off course in handling complex international affairs and seems to be losing its right way. As the economy worsens, people are growing increasingly discontent, social security is deteriorating, and there is a significant waste of talented immigrants. Furthermore, racial discrimination is becoming more severe.
The immigration process is like the growth of a tree, involving settling down, adapting, integrating, and developing, each stage accompanied by its own story. I’ll share my experience of finding a job.
It happened during a booming period for the IT industry, which was in high demand for professionals, and my expertise was just what was needed. However, job seekers are required to have Canadian work experience. How could I get Canadian work experience? While pregnant, I attended a training school and then interned. After my child was born, I found a volunteer position building websites. That’s how I eventually got my first Canadian job.
2) It’s not easy for Chinese people to get involved in politics. Why did you choose to participate?
It’s indeed difficult for Chinese Canadians to engage in politics. Democracy depends on voters. How to convey a good manifesto to voters requires understanding the culture, well using language, utilizing social media platforms to campaign, and mobilizing Chinese Canadians participation. Each of these is a challenge. For independent candidates like me, who are political newcomers, the challenges are even greater.
I chose to run for office out of a sense of mission. Looking back at Canada’s recent years, I see more and more homeless people on the streets, hear about more crimes like thefts and robbery, and feel the growing anxiety among people. The politicization of issues affecting the Chinese community has worsened, rendering an already quiet Chinese community even more silent. Meanwhile, the deteriorating relationship between Canada and China continues to harm us. As a Chinese Canadian, I believe I should stand up and speak out. In times when people question the democratic system, I also hope to restore faith in democracy through my actions. I want to inspire more Chinese people, especially the younger generation, to actively engage in politics and social affairs, breaking through traditional barriers. The future of the Chinese community depends on the participation and contributions of the younger generation. I hope they realize that Chinese people can also make a difference in politics.
3)Running as an independent candidate for a federal by-election seat is especially difficult, particularly in an anti-China atmosphere. What strategies do you have?
Righteousness and justice will ultimately overcome wrongdoing and malevolence.The global trend towards multipolarity and peaceful coexistence is the dominant one and the right path. Every country should follow the UN’s resolutions and cooperate within the UN framework.
Anti-China sentiment is driven by certain politicians’ political needs and does not reflect the views of the vast public, who have not been told the truth. Therefore, we need to help the public understand the truth and distinguish between fact and fiction. While campaigning, I listened to people’s voices, connected their struggles with national policies, and showed them that only by steering the country in the right direction can we improve our lives. Otherwise, people may feel trapped with no way out,they lose hope for the future . This is not something I can achieve alone, I need the support of all those who wish to see Canada thrive and rise up again.
4) Why should voters in your district vote for you?
As an independent candidate, although it’s tough without the backing of a political party, it also allows me to better represent the voices of the people without being constrained by party policies. For example, the major issue of being anti-war and advocating for peace isn’t mentioned in any party’s platform. Our money is being used to buy weapons that kill people—young men in the prime of their lives, defenseless women, and children—rather than being invested in improving our lives. Furthermore, I’ve lived and worked in this district for 20 years, so I understand the needs of local people . I have a deep connection with people in this district, and many of my clients are also my friends. My political platform is inspired by them.
5) What does the Chinese community think about your campaign? How does the Chinese community view political participation?
I announced my candidacy a few months ago at a Chinese community gathering. Both your newspaper and 《Les Nouvelles Chinoises》have reported on my candidacy. I’m very grateful. Most of my fellow Chinese have expressed their support by saying it’s great that someone from our community is finally standing up to represent their voices. However, there are also a few who have criticized or even personally attacked me.
To get the electors’ signatures for my candidacy, fellows like Yang Zi, Wendo, Wilque, Aneley and her daughter, young volunteer Cindy, and others went door-to-door collecting signatures. We gathered over 250 signatures in a short period.When I decided to run for the election, Weiqun Dai and Huang from other provinces, May Chow, a progressive Chinese from Quebec, WILLIAM, WALTER, JIMMY CHEN, etc. all gave me good suggestions. After my candidacy was confirmed in early August, we held a campaign kick-off event, and many fellows whom I didn’t know came to show their support. Mr. Lei Yu and LiZhi Wu gave me the opportunity to announce my candidacy in their activities. Members from the CCFPA committee gave me very strong support. Members from “ The Voice of Friendship Chord”gave me their support as well.Xiao Dong tried her best to find volunteers and introduced them to me.
What touched me the most was when Xixi Li and several local community friends Alex, JP, Greg, and John, shared their experiences on-site, giving me great encouragement. My clients, the Dehui Li couple , were the first to donate the maximum amount of $1,725. Veteran community leaders Li ping Shao and Mao chuan Zhang also donated immediately. Xixi personally came to the campaign office to hand me her check. Ruby, Xiaowen and her family of three all donated. Mei Lin and Yang Zi also offered financial support. Professor Wu Ke, who had just returned from China, transferred his donation, and CuiGe, who had previously donated to the Chinese Service Center, contributed again to support my campaign. He is truly a role model in the Chinese business community.
Your newspaper has been publishing articles about my campaign from the beginning until now, giving me more opportunities to expose to poublic. Hu Xian’s 《Symbiosis International Media》 conducted an interview with me, AMANDA’s 《Huayi Media》 promoted news about our activities through text and videos, and 《Les Nouvelles Chinoises》 and 《Seven Days》 will also publish news about my campaign in the form of advertisements. There are also self-media people Hong Tian, Hai Ge, Hong Tao and Lao He who all support me in their own way. I am very grateful.
The volunteers each had their own roles. Guan managed the office, while Hongjun, Zhenyu, Mr. Wang, Ronghua couple, Steven and his son, Alex, and Wilque put up signs, they did not care of braving the rain . Qinghua Li, Anely, Sisi and her mother , Enriketa, Dr. Ren, and Alan etc. went door-to-door canvassing and promoting the campaign.
The most important thing is the support of my family, without their support I can not go further.
During door-to-door canvassing, we encountered some awkward situations. When we approached fellow Chinese, we hoped they would listen, but most of them said they were too busy or didn’t have time, refusing even to accept our flyers. On the other hand, people from other ethnic groups, whether they supported us or not, were generally open to listening. Some fellows even said it wasn’t their business, which saddened me. From what I know, candidates from other ethnic groups receive strong support from their communities in terms of volunteers, funding, and various outreach efforts. In contrast, our Chinese community has been too quiet—several large organizations have shown no reaction to my campaign, as if it has nothing to do with them. I want to tell my fellow Chinese that I could very well be living a comfortable and peaceful life without running an office. My gains from running for office are far outweighed by what I lose. But if I don’t stand up and speak out, who will?
I hope that my candidacy will ignite a passion within the Chinese community to participate in Canada’s democratic process,to encourage people to vote and use their ballots to express their voices. The pre-vote time is from 6th-9th September. The election day is 16th September . Please come out to vote !
