The answer is probably different depending on the person’s heritage, culture, personal experience, number of years in Canada and so on…

As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I certainly think that Canada is an inclusive country accepting everyone from around the world until I learned about the history of early immigrants at Chinatown Storytelling Centre. 

With the early Chinese immigrants arriving in Canada in 1880’s to build the Canadian Pacific Railway, there was much tension as to where Chinese people can reside or have the right to vote. During World War II, a group of people of Chinese descent decided to go to war despite they are not officially Canadians. 

​In the world of global commerce, innovation often thrives at the intersection of cultures. Bubble tea, a Taiwanese staple that has become a global sensation, is now at the centre of cultural conversation, sparked by the Quebec-based company Bobba and actor Simu Liu’s remarks during their appearance on Dragon’s Den.

What is interesting is that Bobba is not the first non-Taiwanese company to enter the bubble tea market. In recent years, competitors from Mainland China, South Korea, and even global brands like Starbucks have introduced their own versions of boba drinks. In fact, Starbucks launched its popping boba beverages this past summer with little backlash. So why did Bobba’s pitch on Dragon's Den ignite a conversation around cultural appropriation?​

​August and summer are coming to an end, and it was such a fantastic month for us at Choice Communication!

Over the past weekend, Vancouver's Chinatown was filled with vibrant celebrations, community spirit, and delicious food during the fourth annual Light Up Chinatown! Festival. Thanks to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation for bringing us this fantastic event!

Folklore has it that the festival honours the love story of Niulang (牛郎, pronunciation: ngau4 long4), a cowherd, and Zhinü (織女, pronunciation: zik1 neoi5-2), a weaver girl. The Queen Mother of Heaven tore apart their forbidden love, but magpies form a bridge across the stars (the Milky Way) once a year to reunite them.

As Canada celebrates its 157th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, people from coast to coast to coast have their own ways of celebration.

To many, Canada Day is a statutory holiday. But to immigrants like me, Canada Day should be a day to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to share what makes us proud, to celebrate, and to give back.
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My family moved to Canada in 1993. We picked Vancouver due to the considerably mild weather and its proximity to the Asia Pacific. It was then a sleepy little town. But that was why we appreciate more what Vancouver has to offer. People are friendly and embrace multiculturalism. Food is always a good entry point – we can find all kinds of cuisines here – Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, just to name a few. 

​​For the past 20 years, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has put in tremendous efforts to preserve and protect intangible cultural heritage worldwide. Food is considered an important part of intangible cultural heritage; and it is hoped that it will be passed down from generation to generation.

​At Vancouver Chinatown, we have a strong passion for food. Memories are weaved around families and friends gather around a table to celebrate important occasions, such as birthdays, festivals, anniversaries, or just because.