VANCOUVER, B.C., on the Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh – Iona Bonamis 陶思穎, Council Candidate for OneCity Vancouver, today issued the following statement regarding the City of Vancouver's stated intention to challenge the usual name designation on her nomination papers, and those of OneCity school board candidate Christopher Lee 李基鵬.
"Telling me to pick one half of myself to run for office is forcing me, and candidates like me, to show up to public life as only part of ourselves. This is a ridiculous proposition in a city where nearly one in five residents is of Chinese descent.
This same electoral office unsuccessfully challenged my name in 2022 and former City Council candidate Brandon Yan's name in 2018. I hope the electoral office provides me, Christopher Lee, and candidates from other parties, the basic dignity of running for office under the name people know us by.
There are real issues in Vancouver. I'd rather spend the next five weeks talking to neighbours about how OneCity will fight to deliver affordable housing and faster transit than explaining my name in court."
OneCity is prepared to support – and win – the cases of Iona Bonamis 陶思穎 and Christopher Lee 李基鵬. OneCity has written to Chief Election Officer, Jason Twa, asking his office to reconsider its position.
Media Contact:
media@onecityvancouver.ca
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About OneCity Vancouver
OneCity is a progressive political movement with more than 4,800 members and more than a decade of electoral success in Vancouver politics, championing a city for workers, a city with housing for everyone, and a city that grows small businesses and services so Vancouverites can have a voice, a place, and a future.
Media Contact: media@onecityvancouver.ca
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We acknowledge that our work takes place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We endeavour to foster strong relationships with host nations by working toward meaningful reconciliation, engagement, and shared governance models.
Contact: info@onecityvancouver.ca
Campaign Office: 2607 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3E5
Mailing Address: PO Box 3316, Vancouver Main, Vancouver, BC V6B 3Y3
Authorized by Natalie Cushing, Financial Agent for OneCity Vancouver, finances@onecityvancouver.ca
