A former Vancouver Police Department member is wading into the world of politics, as Terry Yung seeks the NDP nomination for the Vancouver-Yaletown riding in the upcoming B.C. election.
Yung, who is married to current Vancouver Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung, is expected to be acclaimed as the New Democrats’ candidate on Aug. 28, given he is the only one running for the party.
The former VPD inspector says he will prioritize housing, affordability, and public safety if he is elected.
“I know people are struggling with affordability and housing. And I want to be part of the bold solutions that the BC NDP is implementing. These are big challenges and I’m ready to continue MLA Brenda Bailey’s important work representing the people of Vancouver-Yaletown,” said Yung.
Vancouver-Yaletown is a new riding, created through the split of the current Vancouver-False Creek riding. MLA Brenda Bailey, the minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, currently holds that seat and is expected to run in the newly created riding of Vancouver-South Granville in October.
Yung says the province is “tackling our public safety challenges on every level. It’s work worth doing — and worth being part of.”
“City cores across North America are facing real crises with homelessness and addictions, and the impact on public safety that follows. Here in BC, we’re focused on keeping people safe and getting to the root causes of crime. And it’s starting to make a difference,” Yung said.
“As a former VPD officer, I know BC can be a leader in successfully taking on these challenges with kindness and compassion, recognizing the roles of poverty and mental health in creating these conditions. And that’s the approach this government has taken.”
Premier David Eby says Yung is “values-driven,” adding he will join two other former senior police officers as candidates in the upcoming election.
“He knows we need to be tough on crime, and tough on the causes of crime. These values led him to an exceptional career in law enforcement, and have called him to public life as a B.C. NDP candidate,” said Eby.
Meanwhile, former Vancouver city coun. Melissa De Genova will be running in Vancouver-Yaletown under the Conservative banner.
The upcoming provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 19.