Communication let Chiu down
Rookie federal candidate Kenny Chiu beat by former mentor Peschisolido
As the dust settled on his unsuccessful bid to claim the new riding of Steveston-Richmond East for the Conservatives, Kenny Chiu lamented on a lack of communication to better explain the Tories’ platform and policies while in government.
Chiu singled out what he called misinforming attack ads launched by the Liberals that focused on a provision in Bill C24 that allowed the government to revoke Canadian citizenship from dual citizens who are convicted of terrorism, high treason and several other serious offences.
Chiu claimed Cantonese radio ads supporting Richmond Centre Liberal candidate Lawrence Woo spread misinformation about creating a second class of Canadian citizen which resonated with the large number of immigrants living in Richmond.
“The attack ads were vicious,” Chiu said. “They were not saying the government was trying to do this. They said the Conservatives have treated all immigrants as second-class citizens.
“How would you react if you heard that and you were not born in Canada or had family members who were immigrants?
“That’s what I call fear mongering,” he added.
Woo, who was edged out in Monday night’s vote as Conservative incumbent Alice Wong retained her seat by 1,136 votes, denied the characterization of the ads as attack-minded.
“They were just stating a fact. Many people saw Bill C24 as creating a second class of Canadian and people are entitled to their opinions,” Woo said.
Chiu said the Tories were also battling history as the Liberals swept to a majority government victory.
“We all knew we were facing a monumental, historical challenge,” Chiu said. “In more than a century, no one has won four straight elections.
“By and large, we ran a strong and professional campaign. But after 10 years with the same party, I think Canadians decided to try something new, to change.”
Chiu added he was grateful for the support he did get from voters — he managed to earn 16,630 votes (38.5 per cent) — Monday night, while the Liberals’ Joe Peschisolido topped the polls with 19,485 (45.1 per cent).
“Regardless of which party won, democracy was the real winner in Richmond,” Chiu said.
As for what he does now, Chiu said the next few days will be dedicated to thanking a legion of volunteers and tying up loose ends in his campaign office.
“I have to make sure all the contracts are all filled and the bills paid,” he said.
In terms of a political future, Chiu said, “I will continue to care for this community. It is where I live. It is where my home is, where I work and where my kids go to school.
“I will continue to be involved. I still believe that even with a Liberal majority government, bent on spending itself into deficit, I think the Conservative Party’s involvement in holding them accountable is even more important.
“I will continue to work to provide a different vision for the country. I genuinely don’t believe the tax and spend Liberals is the right choice and direction for the country. But I respect the results of our democratic process.”
Asked if he’d consider a run at provincial politics, Chiu said it was too early to say.
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