The Hongcouver | Anti-union Chinese parents’ group plans a political future in Vancouver
Taking credit for ending teachers’ strike, BCPF vows to fight on with appeal to ethnic unity
A group of ethnic Chinese parents who hit headlines in Vancouver by scuffling with supporters of striking teachers is claiming credit for helping end the industrial action and getting children back in classes last week.
Not content with that bold assertion, the anti-union British Columbia Parents’ Federation is now planning on making itself a fixture on the local political scene, appealing directly to ethnic unity among Chinese in an e-mail to BCPF supporters obtained by the South China Morning Post. “Other ethnic groups must know how we are thinking,” said the e-mail, translated from Chinese. The group’s members appear to mainly consist of mainland Chinese immigrants.
The e-mail was distributed by socially conservative Hong Kong-born political activist Charter Lau, although Lau said he didn’t write it and he isn’t an organiser of the BCPF. Nevertheless, he added his own name and phone number to the top of a list of contacts for anyone interested in the organisation.
The e-mail hailed the success of anti-strike protests organised by the BCPF on September 7 and September 14 (the one involving the scuffles). “[BCPF members’] active participation in the protests and their strong response to media interviews were instrumental in ending the strike,” it said.
“However, the media and many parents have become concerned whether or not the BCPF has finished the job.
“The chain of events has highlighted the importance and workability of the BCPF. For the growth of the Federation, for solidarity among parents, and for the sake of our next generations, we have decided to hold a further meeting of the BCPF.”