Provincial Election | Straight Talk

NDP’s Mable Elmore elected B.C.’s first MLA of Filipino descent

By Carlito Pablo, May 12, 2009

Mable Elmore is poised to write history as the first candidate of Filipino descent to win a seat in the British Columbia legislative assembly.

With votes counted from 93 of the 116 ballot boxes in the Vancouver-Kensington constituency, Elmore—a bus driver and longtime peace activist—is leading with 6,860 votes.

B.C. Liberal candidate Syrus Lee is second with 5,432 votes.

It has been a long, hard slog for Elmore.

She fought a tough nomination contest against Jinny Sims, former president of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.

When the Straight caught up with Elmore by phone earlier on election day, she had just finished working Fraser Street, the route of the Number 8 bus that she drives.

“I’m feeling good,” Elmore said. “I’m having a positive response.”

Her next stop: knocking on doors to get people out to vote.

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Comments

Cora Salvador
Wed, 2009-05-13 08:58
Mable Elmore's win in the BC Legislature indicate the electorate's forward thinking mentality in the lower mainland. The hurdles that Mable have undergone and her MLA victory is an inspiration to the Filipino community, the women of colour, and the coming of age that Vancouver is ready to embrace its citizens as part of its political, economic and social landscape. I wish Mable Elmore lots of luck and success as a lawmaker in beautiful British Columbia.

Cora Salvador
West Vancouver
 
Jay Razon
Wed, 2009-05-13 16:04
I am happy for Mable for this victory. Hopefully, her success can inspire FIlipino Canadians to seek an elected office and represent the interest of the Filipino Canadians of this province. Mabuhay!
 
Jay Razon
Wed, 2009-05-13 16:30
I agree with Cora. Hopefully more women and/or Filipinos will seek an elected office.
 
Isabel Falcone,
Sun, 2009-05-17 12:22
It is so heart warming to see such perseverance! I pray that
other young Filipino Canadians will be inspired enough to
take action, get involved in the political process, and make a
difference. There are still a lot of untapped talents out there.
Well done, Mable!
 
 
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