Feature article on Chinese Canadians entering politics - and facing China's interference in politics.

Richmond residents, former Hongkongers relieved after immigration policy change

Two Richmond residents, Tony Cheng and Calvin Wong, former Hongkongers, successfully advocated for a change in Canada's immigration policy, allowing them to apply for permanent residency without the post-secondary education requirement. This change, effective from August 15, 2023, benefits those who graduated in 2016 and 2017, previously ineligible under the existing pathways. The policy, initially created in response to China's actions in Hong Kong, aims to welcome Hongkongers to Canada. Wong and Cheng, part of the HK Pathway Stream B Alliance, lobbied for this change, highlighting the differences in advocacy experiences between Hong Kong and Canada. The article underscores ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights, with Wong expressing gratitude to Canada and a desire to inspire others in the diaspora.

Richmond residents, former Hongkongers relieved after immigration policy change

Two Richmond residents and former Hongkongers, Tony Cheng and Calvin Wong, successfully campaigned for a change in Canada's immigration policy, allowing them to apply for permanent residency despite initially being ineligible. The policy change, effective August 15, removes the post-secondary education requirement under the Canadian work experience stream. Both Cheng and Wong, members of the HK Pathway Stream B Alliance, expressed relief and optimism about their future in Canada. The article highlights their advocacy efforts, including lobbying MPs and working with advocacy groups, and contrasts their experiences with the political environment in Hong Kong.

RubberBand's Final North American Show in Vancouver: Finally, Together in This Moment

Hong Kong band RubberBand concluded their 'Ciao' World Tour in North America with a final show in Vancouver, having performed across three continents and nine cities. The band's intimate venues in the US and Canada allowed for close interaction with fans. A survey conducted among attendees revealed a mix of new immigrants and long-standing residents, with a significant portion having followed RubberBand's music for over five years. The concert's atmosphere was one of reunion and connection among the diaspora, with the band's lead vocalist reflecting on the challenges of gathering and the transient nature of life. RubberBand had previously performed in Vancouver 13 years ago, and their sound engineer, Jeremy Cheng, has since immigrated there. The concert was a celebration of resilience and togetherness in the face of global upheavals.

Coca-Cola workers striking in Richmond for fair contract

Over 400 Coca-Cola Canada Bottling workers in Richmond have been on strike for two weeks, demanding fair wages. Workers, supported by Teamsters Local 213, are struggling with the high cost of living in Metro Vancouver. The strike began on July 13, with workers picketing outside the Richmond manufacturing facility. The company has not agreed to the wage increases demanded by the workers.

Photos: Hundreds rally to mark one month since Richmond Sheraton strike

Workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport in Richmond have been on strike for a month, demanding living wages and better working conditions. A large rally led by UNITE HERE Local 40 marked the strike's one-month anniversary, with participants marching in Richmond city center. The Sheraton has faced criticism for using replacement workers, receiving cease and desist orders from the B.C. Labour Relations Board, and a public boycott declared by the BC Federation of Labour. The strike also affects the Hilton and Marriott hotels in Vancouver.

Traditional Hong Kong sweet soup satisfies Richmondites' late night guilty cravings

Bubble Fruity, a dessert shop in Richmond, has become a popular late-night destination for locals seeking traditional Hong Kong sweet soups. Opened in 2008 by a retiree named Law, the shop offers a variety of authentic sweet soups, maintaining traditional recipes and high quality. Customers appreciate the unique flavors and the opportunity to extend social gatherings. The shop's English name, 'Bubble Fruity,' was retained from a previous business, while its Chinese name reflects the cultural significance of its offerings.

Aspiring doctor from Richmond awarded BC Transplant scholarship

Cassandra Lau, a Grade 10 student at Hugh Boyd in Richmond, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship by BC Transplant for her efforts to encourage organ donor registration. The scholarship is part of an awareness program targeting students in grades 10-12 to develop campaigns on the topic. Lau, interested in health sciences and aspiring to be a pediatrician, plans to use the scholarship to facilitate discussions and social media campaigns to demystify organ transplantation. British Columbia, which has an official organ donation registry, led the country in deceased organ donor rates in 2021.