We’re More Than a Stereotype: Asian Canadian Political Representation is Long Overdue by Christine Le

After graduating from undergrad, I had the chance to step into political spaces through programs like the Ontario Legislative Assembly Model for Parliament and Equal Voice: Daughters of the Vote. These initiatives offered a rare glimpse into the everyday realities of elected officials. These experiences were eye-opening, not just the policy debates or parliamentary procedure. It was the glaring absence of people who looked like me.

I was selected during the height of the pandemic, a time when anti-Asian hate was becoming increasingly visible in Canada. Attacks and hate incidents surged, yet the people making decisions on behalf of our communities rarely reflected our lived experiences. The disconnect between the public discourse and political representation was impossible to ignore.

Frustrated by the silence, I began speaking out. I shared my perspective with Canada’s National Observer and Toronto Star, urging governments and institutions to move beyond surface-level responses and begin addressing anti-Asian racism through real, structural change. But I know statements weren’t enough.

Out of those conversations, something new was born. A few friends and I, all Daughters of the Vote alumni, founded the Asian Resilience Collective Canada (ARCC) with a shared belief that Asian Canadians deserve a louder voice in civic life. Through webinars, knowledge-sharing, and community building, we’ve worked to support civic participation and celebrate the diverse cultures and identities within our communities.

In 2023, our efforts led us to the Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism in Canada (CAAARC), where we participated in a national roundtable alongside grassroots organizations and nonprofit leaders. These conversations were more than symbolic; they were urgent. We discussed practical solutions, like integrating Asian Canadian histories in school curricula and increasing hiring equity for leadership roles in the public and private sectors. These aren’t just policy tweaks; they are necessary steps toward a more representative society.

Since 2021, the landscape has started to shift. More organizations are acknowledging anti-Asian racism and developing strategies to address it. And at long last, we’re starting to see historic firsts. In 2023, Olivia Chow became Toronto’s first Asian Canadian mayor, a moment that felt like a turning point. More recently, Chi Nguyen, a Vietnamese Canadian, was elected federally to represent Spadina Harbourfront. Both women are immigrants. Both embody the kind of leadership that has long been missing from Canadian politics.