Nine hours. It's a long time to wait for anything. But when you're in pain, it can feel like a lifetime. This was Jackie Lee's father's experience, waiting for treatment for his back pain at Richmond Hospital and witnessing the strains on the B.C. health-care system first hand.
It was a defining moment for Jackie Lee, who knew it was his calling to get politically active and serve his Richmond community—a resident since 1995—having immigrated from Hong Kong after his father took an early retirement in hopes to provide Lee a better life.
It's no surprise that addressing challenges and achieving results related to an underfunded and ill-designed health-care system is one of the top issues Lee is passionate about—to work with his party towards one that's more accessible, efficient and patient-focused.
Lee may have only entered politics in 2023, but his background as an exceptional entrepreneur, active community leader and his unwavering dedication to volunteering and public service has prepared him for this moment—to represent his community, where his ties run deep. He's dedicated to creating a better future for his family and ensuring every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
"For the past seven years, I've seen the challenges our society faces," says Lee. "Everything is more expensive, taxes are higher, and yet health care, education and public safety systems are strained. I know we can do better, and we owe it to the next generation."
Political vision, motivations
Since becoming a MLA candidate for Richmond-Steveston, he's knocked on more than 5,000 doors and listened to people’s concerns on issues that matter most to them.
With a listening and engaging approach, Lee is driven to connect with Richmond residents, something he demonstrates by attending more than 10 community engagement events each week, some of which he organizes.
"I draw motivation from the people around me," reveals Lee, just like when 450 people turned out to a recent community barbecue he planned. "I'm not there to tell you what I'm going to do for you. I organize events so you can have an opportunity to talk to me and tell me what you want in Richmond-Steveston."
"My approach is always to listen to what the community needs. I listen to my coworkers. I listen to the constituents and people living in the area, and I listen to all residents in Richmond and find that the majority of their concerns can be summarized in P.H.A.S.E., which represents my key commitments"
Lee's vision for Richmond-Steveston focuses on P.H.A.S.E.: Public Safety, Health Care, Affordability, Senior & Childcare, Economy, and Education. He aims to honour the community's diversity and heritage while championing policies that benefit everyone. "I'm grateful for all my dedicated volunteers who share this vision."
Lee is also committed to addressing local issues such as Bill 44 and 47, legislation that encompasses new housing regulations, zoning rules that will allow densification in single-family neighbourhoods. He's an advocate, too, for the Steveston bus loop and Lions Manor's return to Steveston.
"I've decided to run in this upcoming provincial election because I believe in a brighter future for our community," says Lee. "Together, we can build a stronger Richmond-Steveston."
For more information, visit jackielee.ca
