CBC News
Ivan Pak remembers racial slurs being hurled at him as he stood at a SkyTrain station.
Steven Ngo remembers garbage being chucked at him and being told to go back to his country.
These are just two of many painful memories members of the Asian community in Metro Vancouver experience.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, police said anti-Asian hate crimes in Vancouver increased from 12 incidents in 2012 to 98 in 2020 — a 717-per-cent spike.
Three years later, Pak and Ngo say they feel the targeted attacks have further increased. …
Mayor Malcolm Brodie says he wants to continue working with organizations like Pak’s to hold events that support and create a safe space for Asians in the province.
But he adds that more could be done.
“I’m not saying there’s no place for a forum, but I don’t think it’s a panacea for your problems either,” Brodie said. “I don’t think by having a town hall or a forum or something that you’re going to cure the problem.” …