Burnaby NOW will be publishing candidate Q&As for each candidate leading up to the City of Burnaby byelection scheduled for June 26, 2021. The answers provided have not been altered or changed.
Heymann Yip believes more action needs to be taken.
QUESTION: When did you decide to run for the City of Burnaby byelection?
ANSWER: I decided to run when I noticed the lack of action being taken to make positive changes in our city in areas such as supporting small businesses during COVID-19, adding the "missing middle" to aid in affordable and accessible housing, and improving public safety.
QUESTION: Why did you decide to run for the City of Burnaby byelection?
ANSWER: I have always had a passion for finding new and innovative ways to do things. After volunteering with the City of Burnaby and the Burnaby RCMP for the past 4 years, I gained a lot of insight on the ways which we can improve the safety of our city. When the by-election was announced, I immediately decided this was my opportunity to give the city some direction in areas such as support for small businesses, adding the "missing middle" to housing and improving public safety.
QUESTION: What do you think is needed on city council the most? What do you think it’s missing/lacking?
ANSWER: I think what City Council needs is an independent council member who is not influenced by unions, big businesses or developers. Burnaby City Council needs someone who can vote on motions with a transparent and clear voice. I also think Burnaby City Council is missing some common sense! I am not an extreme left or right in politics, I am more in the center. I can look at both sides and make a logical decision.
QUESTION: Do you think there needs to be more diversity when it comes to Burnaby’s municipal government? If so, why?
ANSWER: Yes, as a Chinese Canadian, I am all for diversity in Burnaby's municipal government. However, Burnaby citizens are looking for qualified candidates to represent their best interests, and at the end of the day, those are the people who will get voted into City Council.
QUESTION: What issues do you think need to be tackled the most in Burnaby?
ANSWER: I think the main issues that need to be tackled are the lack of support for small businesses to survive the effects of the pandemic and addressing the lack of housing options in Burnaby.
QUESTION: Why should voters vote for you?
ANSWER: When you vote for me, you are not only voting for someone who has direct volunteer experience with the City of Burnaby and the Burnaby RCMP, but someone with a real connection to the city. I live in Burnaby, and I own and operate my local business in Burnaby. I have also raised all three of my daughters here in Burnaby. Even prior to running for City Council, I have put several motions forward to address public safety issues in regards to bus stops, road infrastructure, and radio transmitters in high-rises. If elected, I will continue to actively make changes to better our city.
QUESTION: What would you say to those who may not want to vote or don’t really see a point?
ANSWER: It is your democratic right and one should not waste it. If you really want to see positive change, find out more about the candidates. It starts with one person that is right for the job, and one should not lose hope. If you lose hope, you will have despair. I would like to be that person that offers you hope!
