Pinay MLA Elmore re-elected in BC

Pinay MLA Elmore re-elected in BC

PHOTO: JOSHUA BERSON bersonphoto.com

Mable Elmore, MLA, NDP, Vancouver-Kensington

Vows to continue to fight for Canadian, immigrant workers’ rights

By Veronica C. Silva

Though ballots were still being counted for the recent provincial elections in British Columbia, the NDP’s Mable Elmore of Vancouver-Kensington is confident of a third term. As of morning of May 24, Elmore had already more than 55 per cent of the votes in preliminary results.

The Member of Legislative Assembly who is proud of her Filipino heritage is a known advocate of workers and immigrants rights and campaigned on these platforms.

In a phone interview on Tuesday (May 23), just as absentee ballot counting was ongoing, Elmore said she will continue to push for her platform, but her and her party’s position in the legislature – whether as a majority or an official opposition — will become clearer within the week.

As of press time, suspense was still up in the air as the preliminary results of the May 9 provincial elections were too close. The incumbent Liberals has earned 40.36 per cent of the popular vote, but the NDPs are not far close behind with 40.27 per cent of the votes. (http://electionsbcenr.blob.core.windows.net/electionsbcenr/GE-2017-05-09_Party.html)
What’s adding to the suspense is the looming coalition between the BC NDPs and the BC Greens.

“The NDP could be in a position to form a coalition government, or there could be a minority government,” said Elmore. “I’ve been in opposition for two terms, and with the NDP in a position to form a coalition with the BC Greens, then I’m in a better opportunity to implement some of the areas I’ve been working on. If, however, the BC Liberals gain majority, I’ll be in another term of opposition, and it’s more difficult to make legislative reforms.”

Nevertheless, Elmore said she will continue to advocate for the rights of temporary foreign workers.

Elmore said BC needs to adopt the “strongest legislative protection” to TFWs because they are vulnerable to many abuses and exploitation.

Part of the problem, she said, is that BC does not have any specific legislation to protect temporary foreign workers. Unlike other provinces, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan, BC doesn’t have registries of employers, recruiters and immigration consultants.

She said she also continues to put an end to illegal recruitment fees and ensure that all workers’ rights are protected across the province.

She said advocating for TFW rights is also fighting for all workers’ rights.

“It has always been my position that if any worker is exploited or undermined, it undermines the rights of all workers,” said Elmore, who was previously a union and transit worker. “I’ve been advocating protection for migrant workers, but it also strengthens all workers. That’s why my call is justice for all workers. Once we’ve strengthened and ensured that migrant workers are protected from exploitation, that will ensure that workers’ rights across the board are being protected.”

One concrete example of worker’s protection Elmore is calling for is workplace inspection to ensure that employment standards are being upheld.

Aside from advocating for workers’ rights, Elmore said she would continue her advocacies in providing affordable housing, availability of public services, and providing for affordable training and education.

With the high cost of housing in the province, the NDP has committed to build 114,000 units of affordable housing.

For training and education, the provincial NDP is promising interest-free student loans and – something that could be good news for immigrant communities — restoring adult basic education and English-language learning courses to encourage people to upgrade their skills.