And may I ask, why does it take forever bring your parents to Canada from other countries? All you want is to be able to collect your gold plated pension.

@ ds - In case your question wasn't purely rhetorical, the answer is that old people are a burden on our social system to which they did not contribute.

I guess so, the economy, always the economy. The end justifies the means: nuclear power, sure it is good for the economy, tankers in Burrard Inlet, sure it is good for the economy, freeways, sure it is good for the economy.

I don't know, the economy doesn't do anyone any good when we are all dead from too much unsustainable growth and radiactive fallout but at least we'll die rich. Conservatives are too simple and it is annoying me.

The question is why does it take so long to bring your parents from other countries but it is so quick to bring them from China ( a evil communist regime)

I love how the Chinese media is ignoring all recent coverage in the English press on lawyers nationwide *accusing* the Conservative government for policies that are in fact not friendly to immigrants (while contradicting the official rhetoric of the Conservative Party). I feel like I am ever reaching the societies of Orwell of double speaks and whatnot. And of course, this is no new information, cutting funding for immigrants, delaying the process and cutting family reunification... that is the Conservative approach - which is fine, if only they are more honest about it.

But then again, as a Chinese from the 60% Chinese Richmond, I can see why Ms. Wong have such allure there. I only wish the other Chinese and immigrant communities know what she is up to.

On May 2. I am voting for anything but the Conservative.

So Ms. Wong is promising more of the same "low-tax and responsible-spending" Conservative rule.

Sure, Canada is "low-tax" if you're, say, a tar-sands developer or a bank. But is it responsible to shovel money off the back of a truck---in the form of foregone tax revenues---to these unconscionably profitable freeloaders? What are they going to do if we start charging them the going world corporate tax rate? Where are we afraid they are going to go?

Even some of Canada's corporate elite is now talking about how it's time to consider raising the tax rates for some of those who can afford to pay. It sounds great to have the lowest taxes among industrialized countries, but what thriving business wants to move to a country where the education and health systems have been compromised, and the physical infrastructure is not properly maintained?

And one has to believe in the Easter Bunny to think that lower corporate taxes translates into new jobs. The documented research on the subject demonstrates that companies squirrel the money away, not invest it in new plant or research and development that creates valuable new employment.

@Jason - facts are integral to forming a rational debate. You should try them some time.

http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/26/56/33717459.xls

The Conservatives can be criticized for many things, but for having "the lowest taxes among industrialized countries" is not one of them.

The Conservative party is the wrong party for Richmond and the wrong party for Canada.

Show respect for your family and your friends, do not re-elect Stephen Harper's Republican agenda: private healthcare; poor immigration policy; tax cuts for large corporations; low wages.

Voter apathy is often driven by the belief that the people you vote for will ignore you once they get into office.

The people of Richmond are proud to be the first city to ban the sale of puppies at stores in the fight against puppy mills because we don’t support cruelty to animals.

Sadly, the Conservatives, represented in Richmond by MP Alice Wong, have come out supporting the seal “hunt” for fur fashion.

To call it a “hunt” is a disservice to real hunters—clubbing a helpless animal for fur and wasting the meat is not hunting. It’s cruelty, plain and simple.

It does not support aboriginal people (no Inuits are involved), it is unsustainable (economically and environmentally) and it gives our tax money to corporations, some that don’t even reside in Canada.

Twenty-seven countries in the European Union and even the United States have banned sea pelts calling it inhumane.

I will not be voting for Ms. Wong because she listens to Prime Minister Stephen Harper before she listens to the people who voted her in.

Toeing the party line has become more important than listening to your constituents while leading with your heart.

Please vote on May 2 but more importantly, get informed about the candidates and get involved! The seal massacre is happening right now during an election so please voice your objection to your local candidates. Change happens one person at a time.