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By: Adam De Costa, Staff Writer

Background 

MP Jenny Kwan Immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, with her family.  Her parents immigrated to Canada because of its public health care system. 

She graduated from Simon Fraser University in Criminology and wanted to become a lawyer. When MP Kwan was in a committee that oversaw legal advocacy, the National Housing program was cancelledThis was the moment that spurred MP Kwan to enter politics. 

Political Life 

MP Kwan was elected in 1993 as a city Councilor in the City of Vancouver; in 1996, she was elected as one of the youngest MPPs; and in 2015, as MP for Vancouver East. Through this process, she raised a voice for different communities, for example when elected as city councilor, she gave the youth voice legitimacy. As a MPP, she was one of two Chinese MPPs elected to the legislature and was later appointed as the first Chinese Cabinet Minister. She believes in growing Canada on its equality and environmental justice making better for future generations. 

Some Concerns 

MP Kwan is not satisfied that migrant care workers were only gaining meaningful employment. She also wants these care workers to be granted permanent residency on arrival. She mentioned many caregivers are given visas to work and take care of Canadians, however they are separated from their families. MP Kwan did not address what jobs will accommodate the landed immigrants’ employment needs. 

The pandemic has added to the dilemma of migrant care workers seeking residency; they have to be employed for 24 months within 36 months of being in Canada. Therefore, MP Kwan suggests these pandemic months be counted towards their immigration employment requirement.  

When responding to a question about the progression of Bill C-17, MP Kwan responded, Part 4 of the bill had punitive provisions criminalize people for enrolling to receive CERB, this is an exclusive program for Canadians. MP Kwan was disappointed that these workers cannot receive the pandemic relief.  She adds that CERB qualifications were unclear and therefore to criminally charge the mistaken individuals, it would be unjust.    

Systemic Racism 

MP Kwan was quick to point out the instances of abuse of power by authorities as systemic racism. She addressed when a Bloc member blocked the unanimous motion and in her opinion, Hon. Jagmeet Singh called this member a racist for this, for which the NDP leader was booted out of the House of Commons. 

She explained that there is no room to have an alternate opinion and if one does not support the call to eliminate systemic racism, they are the problemShe is quick to add systemic racism is widespread and ever present.  Politicians are choosing symbolism and tokenism instead of dealing with the issues. 

MP Kwan’s Words of Wisdom

Look for issues that align with your value, but she was advising students to find their own passion and join a political party that supports your position.  Once you choose a path, follow it and expect to face hurdles and to not let that stop you. 

To demand action from the government, the voters must call on the government, by writing and/or calling on the government to make change.  MP Kwan quoted an example where processing of landed status processing for care workers was reduced from a maximum of seven years to one year.  Therefore, she was requesting people to voice their opinions at other areas that will require change.