NEWS RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Richmond, BC – It’s time to move past the divisiveness caused by Kenny Chiu and focus on healing and uniting our community to rebuild both Richmond and our country.
Between 2019 and 2021, Kenny Chiu lost over 6,200 swing votes, costing the Conservative Party the Steveston–Richmond East seat – even as the Conservatives won the popular vote. His rhetoric also contributed to the party’s loss in Richmond Centre by 800 votes. Many local voters have expressed their frustration with Mr. Chiu’s constant accusations, where he labels Canadians as “spies” or “mouthpieces of the CCP” and threatens them with baseless CSIS investigations. This reckless abuse of power and fearmongering is unacceptable for anyone in public office, let alone someone seeking leadership.
“As a community leader, I find Mr. Chiu’s defamatory comments against me, and his ongoing bullying of Canadians, to be completely unacceptable,” said Wai Young.
Kenny Chiu has consistently underperformed as a Conservative candidate in Steveston–Richmond East, even before claims of foreign interference. In 2015, his vote share fell by double the party’s provincial average (-15%), and in 2019, he underperformed Conservative candidates across British Columbia. While the Hogue Report suggests foreign interference may have played a role in his 6,200-vote loss, the sheer scale of his voter rejection cannot be attributed solely to outside influence.
“I live in Richmond and have been asked to run in Steveston–Richmond East because the community wants a proven, experienced candidate who can win this riding,” said Wai Young. “This election will be hard-fought, and our focus must be on reclaiming both Richmond seats for the Conservative Party of Canada. I am committed to uniting our community and ensuring we win back this riding.”
Let me be clear—any foreign interference in Canada must be investigated with the highest level of transparency to protect our sovereignty and democratic processes. However, long-time Canadian citizens should be free to vote as they choose—without fear of being labeled, blamed, or threatened with CSIS investigations. It’s understandable that, after four years of Chiu’s baseless accusations and divisive behavior, the community is ready to move forward and heal.
Wai Young continued: “While Kenny Chiu chooses a path of blame and division, voters in Richmond are focused on real issues—like affordability and U.S. tariff threats. While I have been actively supporting our community through business roundtables, cooking meals for the homeless, and fundraising with the Richmond Rotary, Kenny Chiu continues to spread false accusations—even against a fellow former MP and long-time Conservative member like myself.”
To win back Richmond’s Conservative seats, Kenny Chiu must stop threatening Canadians with CSIS investigations for his own political gain. If he has real evidence, he should submit it to CSIS—not weaponize it against the community.
“I am excited to bring my 35+ years of experience to make real change in Ottawa. Pierre Poilievre will be Canada’s strongest leader, with the best vision for our country’s future. Let’s come together as a strong, vibrant community so we can win Steveston–Richmond East again—and help elect a Conservative majority government in Ottawa!”
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Media Inquires can be made by email to: votewaiyoung@gmail.com
