Editor’s note: The six candidates vying to be your Delta representative in Ottawa were provided with six questions from the Optimist and if they liked, could also provide introductory comments or a biography.
Hong Yan Pan, also known as Melody, has been living in B.C. since 1998, living in Delta since 2014. Melody enjoys volunteering and serving the community. She is passionate about environmental protection, gender equality, domestic violence prevention, animal protection, culture and diversity, and senior services. She is also a Navy Reservist.
She is a Registered Nurse in Canada and the USA. Previously, she also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2004 and a Health Care Assistant (Personal Support Worker) in 2002.
She possesses a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership, as well as critical care, nephrology, and nursing educator specialty certificates.
Q: What is your position on the recently announced Massey Tunnel replacement project? Do you like the plans? Not like the plans?
A: I’m in favour of the tunnel replacement, as long as there’s limited negative impact on the environment. I prefer to have a bridge because I’m worried about rising sea level concerns in the future due to extreme weather, increasing potential risk of flooding. Project to another 20 years in the future…I’m really worried that by that time, the tunnel may not be able to cope with the extreme weather conditions due to flooding secondary to the storms.
Q2: What is your position on the Terminal 2 project for Roberts Bank?
A: Environment is one major factor of social determinants of health. From a nursing perspective, we should work together to protect the environment. While I was sitting on the City of Delta Environment Advisory Committee back in August 2018, we had some discussion on the RBT 2 Project. Please see this link for the meeting details.
I appreciate that Indigenous consultation is included in the decision-making process. All the decisions made in RBT2 needs to ensure the safety of Delta residents, as well as future generations have the opportunity to live on this beautiful land.
Q3: Recently, South Delta has experienced several incidents of vandalism of the Pride flag at Ladner United Church. If elected what will you do to help spread a message of diversity and inclusivity in Delta?
A: Regardless the result of this election, I have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination. I will voice out and support the victims. My position statement is that any discrimination, including abusive bullying behaviour, is intolerable in this community and the nation. We need to build a community that provides a safe environment, not just physical safety but also psychological safety, in which residents thrive in, not just survive. We need to question how we are going to achieve that.
From a trauma informed care perspective, we really need to help each other, every member in the community, understand the importance of building a safe community for all. Within this community, we will learn how to be less judgmental, to be more understanding of each other's lived experience. We also need to pay attention to horizontal and lateral violence and systematic discrimination. By recognizing and accepting we have a big issue with systematic discrimination, issues related to gender identify and race for example, we can formulate action on the issue as a whole.
Q4: Affordable housing continues to be a major issue in Delta. If elected, how will you help to work with other levels of government to improve affordable housing in the community?
A: Lack of affordable housing has been a major issue. Affordable housing is in desperate need, especially for seniors, young families, special needs persons, low-income families and single parents. We need to lobby the politicians to address this issue, including obtaining funding through three level government collaboration.
Q5: Do you think the COVID-19 pandemic response has been handled well here in Canada?
A: I understand the pandemic is an unprecedented event in which nobody knows what to do. We can only rely on the best available scientific evidence and clinicians’ expertise to deal with the challenge. In addition to the pandemic, there has been an effect on other health related crises; opioid overdose, mental health issues, cancer patients treatment delay, PPE related medical waste contributing to environmental disasters. This pandemic needs the collaboration of the whole community, to voluntarily follow public health guidelines and look after each other. I strongly believe in the importance of disease prevention and public health promotion.
I wish everyone would agree to put on a mask voluntarily, like we put on a seatbelt when driving. I’m pleading for the public to voluntarily follow the health guidelines in order to protect their loved ones in nursing homes and healthcare providers.
Q6: If elected, how will you help small businesses in Delta as they rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Ongoing, I personally have been encouraging my neighbors to shop local. It is so sad for me to see a few neighborhood stores close their businesses during the pandemic.
I will actively listen to small business stakeholders’ voices and try to find ways to support them. Funding support, reduced tax, and rental subsidies are very practical ways to help sustain these businesses during the pandemic. I also think extra funding support for small business owners with disabilities, single parents, and female owners is important.
