Immigrants establish first Chinese Canadian political party

CIV - A group of immigrants from China have recently set up Canada's first political party composed mainly by Chinese Canadians.

The National Alliance Party (NAP) was established in Vancouver, with a mission of "creating better living and working conditions for immigrants, and raising the profile of all Chinese living overseas," according to the party's mission statement posted on its website www.nationalliance.com.

Party leader Weiping Chen (陳衛平, picture) said the idea of creating a Chinese immigrants' party was that of his and four other PRC immigrants.

"We are all first generation immigrants who face many similar problems settling in Canada," Chen told Ming Pao. "These problems are faced not only by the Chinese, but also immigrants from India, Korea and so on."

Although there have been some Chinese Canadian politicians serving at different levels of governments, their voice is usually too small and they often have to stick with party lines, Chen said.

"It's impossible for them to fight for the interests of the immigrants."

Chen said the NAP hopes to unite all Chinese, with a hope to run for offices as a team. So far the party has 20 members. Chen is holding a press conference tomorrow announcing the party inauguration. After that, they will begin recruiting members.

"We hope to enroll high quality immigrants with strong will and good English," said Chen.

The issues of concern of the party include: bettering the living condition for immigrants and creating more jobs; improving public security; furthering economic development; perfecting the education system; improving the health care system and social safety net; and fostering mutual understanding among all ethnic groups.

On the party's website, it says:

For so many years that we haven't had a party of our own; for too long that no parties would fight for the interests and rights of Chinese Canadians. Being part of a newer generation of immigrants, we want to work hard for the interests of all Chinese Canadians. We want to tell the world that the Chinese people are smart, united, hardworking and respectable.

We will also push for unity with other peoples and build a good country. We will maintain good relationships with all countries and all political parties. We respect others' culture and custom, we respect the political system of all countries, and we respect the rights of every individual.

Chen is a real estate agent by profession. The NAP was approved as a political party in April.

See also:

NAP... is it really worthwhile?
'First Chinese Canadian party' not too sure about direction


Tags: national alliance party, new political party, chinese immigrants, chinese canadians, canada politics