I was born in Beijing, China. My parents worked hard, long hours to support their family, but they had larger dreams for their daughter, dreams larger than their own lives’ possibilities. Family was very important to my mom and dad and they wanted the best for me.

Almost 30 years ago, through hard work and perseverance I received a CIDA scholarship to study in an amazing place: Canada. While studying in Montreal, I met my husband. Later we moved to Vancouver, where we’ve raised our family, and, like my parents with me, I want the best for my family.

Growing up, my parents did not have much money, but emphasized the importance of education. They saw it as a way for me to maximize my potential, to realize my dreams. In the last couple years, many Canadians have lost their jobs—putting tremendous pressure on parents and children across the country. Today as many parents live paycheque to paycheque and the cost of educating our children rises, I worry that our best and brightest students are becoming increasingly unable to afford postsecondary education.

The doors of opportunity must be open to all. We must do more to ensure that students with the grades and drive are able to attend university. We must do more for our working parents—focusing on giving breaks to working families and not the wealthiest corporations. We must do more to create jobs Canadians can count on.

Providing young Canadians new and exciting opportunities, while creating a strong, stable economy is vital to our longevity, but equally as important is making sure our seniors have the care they deserve. Like many Canadians, some of my family members are getting older. Families across the country face the challenge of caring for seriously ill or aging loved ones. I know Canadian families want to shoulder the responsibility of caring for their loved ones, but they also deserve a government that stands with them. We must do more for our parents and seniors. That is why Liberals are committed to a new Family Care Plan.

My dream to receive a quality education and live in a country full of opportunities was realized when I moved to Canada. Canada is country that allows people from all around the world to realize their own dreams. Liberals believe that we are stronger not despite our differences, but because of them. We are the party of official multiculturalism, a concept that is enshrined in Canada’s Constitution. To preserve this principal value, we must do more to make sure new Canadians have access to all the opportunities Canada has to offer.

Recently our Liberal Family Pack was announced—our five-point plan to strengthen Canadian families. From our Learning Passport, to early childhood learning and care, to family care, to stronger public pensions, and our Green Renovations Tax Credit, Liberals are making commitments to Canadian families. As your member of Parliament, I want to strengthen all families in Kingsway, not just the red ones, but the orange ones and blue ones too.

This year, in this election, it is time to reaffirm our values and commitments for Canadian families. And while many of my own dreams have been realized, I now dream to help families realize theirs. My story is possible in very few countries, and I will forever be indebted to Canada for the opportunities it has provided me. So, on May 2, vote Liberal, because we stand to make my story not a unique one, but a common one. This election is about your family, your future, your Canada.

Wendy Yuan is the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Kingsway.