The NOW asked all Burnaby candidates to submit a profile to help readers learn more about them.
The following is a profile of Conservative Party of BC candidate in Burnaby North Michael Wu.
Name
Michael Wu
Current occupation
Small business owner
Short biography
Born in Taiwan, I moved to Saudi Arabia at 6 and immigrated to Canada in 1991. After high school in Burnaby, I started my first business at 19. I joined the Burnaby RCMP in 2006 as an auxiliary constable, providing 24/7 translation. I’m happily married with two kids.
Why are you running for provincial office?
I want my children to have the same opportunities I have had, a place where they can live, work, and thrive. After seven years of the current government, I no longer see that future for them or for the next generations. The policies being implemented are off track, and we’re not seeing positive results for people in B.C. The wasteful spending isn't benefiting British Columbians. My wife encouraged me to stop complaining and take action. I believe we need a government that inspires our next generation and empowers them to flourish, rather than dictating what success looks like. I want to advocate for policies that create real opportunities, foster growth, and build a brighter future for all British Colombians. It’s time for change, and I’m committed to making a difference for the people in Burnaby North.
What are the top three issues facing Burnaby today and what are your plans to address them?
- Housing: I’ve heard many concerns from Burnaby North residents regarding the current housing policies, specifically Bills 44 and 47. The “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work; each municipality is unique. Effective housing policies should be developed collaboratively with local governments and residents, not imposed from above.
Housing stock and affordable housing are two distinct issues. Destroying perfectly good single-family homes, like those around Brentwood Mall, does not address the housing crisis. These new condo are being sold at $1,200 per square foot, while 50% of British Columbians are just $200 away from paying their bills, rent, and putting food on the table.
We need to stop the undemocratic overreach of the current government and restore power to municipal governments. Our plan is to implement policies that reduce housing costs by cutting red tape and speed up process for new home construction. Additionally, we have income tax relief for both renters and homeowners with mortgages, ensuring that everyone can afford to live comfortably in our community. Together, we can create a housing policy that truly meets the needs of our residents.
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Public safety: There are numerous factors impacting public safety in BC, particularly repeat offenders and violent crime. We must prioritize the safety of British Columbians over the rights of violent criminals to reoffend. One of the key public safety concerns in Burnaby is property crime, which I have personally witnessed while patrolling the streets when I was with the Burnaby RCMP. Additionally, I’ve heard complaints during door-knocking and from small business owners along Burnaby Heights. Criminals have become emboldened due to the lack of consequences for their actions. We need to end the "catch-and-release" cycle and the revolving door of justice, those who commit crimes must face real consequences.
Hiring more police officers is important, and we should also adopt Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This was one of my primary responsibilities as an auxiliary constable in Burnaby, where I worked to help residents and small businesses make changes to better protect themselves and reduce crime. The current policies aren’t working, and if we don’t make changes, the situation will only worsen.
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Small business struggles: As an entrepreneur, I understand firsthand the struggles small businesses in British Columbia have faced. Since 2017, the government has implemented 33 new taxes, making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to thrive. At the doorsteps, I hear the same message. Current policies are not supportive and small businesses are the backbone of BC's economy. A strong economy depends on the success of small businesses, and when they prosper, the benefits trickle down to other sectors, addressing issues like housing and affordability.
One in three British Columbians wants to leave the province, and even more alarming, one in two young adults is considering leaving and not returning. This will create a domino effect, worsening the situation further. We must restore confidence in public safety and implement policies that support small businesses, working closely with the private sector to ensure they succeed.
We cannot continue to burden small businesses with increasing taxes. Instead, we must find ways to help them succeed, ensuring that when they win, BC and its people will win too. The BC Conservative Party understands this and is committed to doing everything possible to support small businesses and get our economy back on track.
What is your housing situation? Are you a homeowner, renter or something else (describe)? Do you own your rental property/properties?
The candidate did not answer this question.
Contact information
- Website: https://www.conservativebc.ca/wu
- Campaign office: 4775 Hastings St.
- Social media and hashtags:
- votemichaelwu - Facebook
- @votemichaelwu - Twitter/X
- votemichaelwu - Instagram
