Richmond racist incident prompts show of support for Hui Lau Shan restaurant

A Richmond-area MLA is speaking out against racism and hate, after staff at a local restaurant were recently subjected to racist remarks.

According to Henry Yao, who represents the riding of Richmond South Centre, it happened at Hui Lau Shan, a dessert shop located on Buswell Street.

Video of the incident shared online captures a man who is heard telling staff to “go back to China” during an interaction.

“It is unfortunately very heartbreaking to watch and I think some of the language being used has been … disturbing to listen to,” Yao told CityNews Friday.

“Of course, being a father and a person who is raising my own family in the riding that I represent, I want people here to feel included. I want people to feel comfortable and I want people to feel that they can be different and have the right to be who they are and choose to be.”

Yao says he believes upholding inclusivity and diversity can only help us prepare to “address the challenges of tomorrow.”

While he notes there has been an outpouring of support online for the business in the wake of the incident, the MLA admits this kind of behaviour isn’t uncommon.

“For this kind of heartbreaking thing to happen, it’s a reminder that, unfortunately, hate still lives with us. As I’ve mentioned many times, selective hate is still hate, and we’re trying to find a way to really try to promote a more inclusive community,” Yao said.

The politician took it upon himself to show Hui Lau Shan and its staff support in-person Thursday, dining on some mango-based desserts at the restaurant alongside his family and Richmond councillor Chak Au.

“After @ChakAuRichmond & I heard what happened at Hui Lau Shan, we’re here today to support the business & show that it’s important for our community to combat racism & hate,” Yao said in a tweet, which featured images of the group at the business.

1/2 After @ChakAuRichmond & I heard what happened at Hui Lau Shan, we’re here today to support the business & show that it’s important for our community to combat racism & hate.

6511 Buswell Street in #RichmondBC#RichmondSouthCentre #BC #NoHate #HateHasNoPlace #MangoDessert pic.twitter.com/oaYUdFhcLD

— Henry Yao 姚君憲 (@henryyaomla) March 23, 2023

“We actually saw RCMP officers come in to try to collect information, collect a record, and that conversation was with the owner of the business. So based upon what we observed while we were enjoying our dessert and my minimal interaction with RCMP, they’re obviously addressing the issue, they’re obviously looking into it,” Yao told CityNews.

He admits despite work to try and end hate, it will likely linger.

He’s encouraging others who witness this kind of behaviour to stand up and speak out — safely.

“I feel the most important thing is when we see a situation like this, it’s important for us to find the courage to come together and support individuals to be able to understand that racism, discrimination, it hurts us all. All kind of hate, from drag queen storytelling to racialized discriminations — it hurts us all,” Yao said. “By standing together, we’re stronger together.”

CityNews has reached out to the RCMP for comment.

-With files from Martin MacMahon