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Henry Yao is passionate about providing youth with the opportunities to succeed, something he’ll continue to champion in his new role as MLA for Richmond South Centre.

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Meet your MLAs: Henry Yao (Richmond South Centre)

By Don Fennell

Published 11:05 PST, Thu November 26, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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A rude awakening in the early 2000s dramatically altered Henry Yao’s life path.

Newly-elected MLA for Richmond South Centre, Yao was working in the private sector in 2004 but the 60-hour weeks were taking their toll. Soon, the goal of making money was replaced by a stark reality when he was diagnosed with two different types of lymphoma. But fortunately, with the continuous support of family and friends, the cancer went into remission five years later.

“I’m thankful that I had a huge wake-up call and a reminder that our time on earth is limited,” he says. “I realized if my goal was to spend the rest of my life making money then it was a really wasted opportunity given to me. Ever since, I wanted to volunteer and see what is out there.”

The first step drew him to a career working with youth—and ultimately to seek a seat in the political arena as a means of helping even more people.

“My family taught me a deep sense of duty,” explains Yao, a belief that has been further advanced by his growing interest in history.

Arriving in Richmond from his native Taiwan at the age of 10, Yao—fluent in Mandarin but still learning English at the time—felt somewhat withdrawn. But two classes during his final high school years at McNair Secondary would have a profoundly positive impact on his outlook going forward.

“My history teacher in Grade 12 opened up my interest in history. Before then I hated it, memorizing dates or connecting a series of events,” Yao explains. “But his teaching methods were different than others I’d experienced. He taught about relationships and human struggles through times and circumstances, and to see beyond.”

A second class—theatre—also helped Yao emerge from his shell, and to develop a growing appreciation for individuality within the context of a group. Though he was more of a “backstage person,” he likens the experience to being part of a family.

Inspired to pursue youth work, where he could contribute positively to a new generation, Yao worked at the Richmond Youth Services Agency and the Richmond City Centre Community Centre. There, he encouraged young adults to develop skills in career building, leadership development, and community engagement.

In 2014, a decade after he was diagnosed with cancer, Yao ran for city council in a bid to step up his efforts to pave a brighter future for the new generations. While he didn’t win a seat in the civic election, it did further open his eyes to society’s complexities. And it further shaped the view he takes with the Legislative Assembly in Victoria.

“Governance is all about supporting people and making their lives better,” he says, believing strongly in the importance of discussion. “I think it’s important for us to realize no one has 100 per cent of the answers for everything, so we must have civilized and respectful dialogue (among all party members). We have to share and debate to figure out what is best for BC.”

Yao continues to be a strong advocate for young people, and is continually amazed by their talents and ability. He says it’s important they are provided with every opportunity to succeed.

“Youth have often been looked down upon by society. But my goal has always been not to want to change them into something we think society wants them to be, but for them to grow into who they are meant to be,” he says. “We don’t give youth enough opportunity to truly be who they are, and to experiment with different ideas without fear of making mistakes. Sometimes as adults we have to say no, but otherwise we need to try our best to trust youth and usually they respond very well.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Yao says it is also important to recognize and appreciate the contributions made by our elders and seniors. He says the NDP has made it a priority to improve conditions for long-term care.

“COVID has made things a lot more difficult, and an ongoing challenge for sure, but we need to ensure our seniors get to retire with dignity and in comfort,” he says.

Further, Yao calls those working in the non-profit service sector “heroes.”

“They are probably taking the most punishment for our society, while at the same time their financial resources are draining due to a lack of fundraising opportunities.”