There were cheers of delight and moans of dismay at the announcement that people living in the tent city at Oppenheimer Park will be offered housing in single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The cheers came from the proponents of the "housing first" model that is predicated on the assumption people need a roof over their heads before they can begin to address their mental illness and/or drug addiction problems. The moans came from those who feel that this announcement has done little but provide a safe haven for drug use and other illegal activities.

Who is right? Should we be smiling or hanging our heads in shame?

The great appeal of the housing first model is that it is rooted in one of our most cherished ideas -- the role of a stable home. A warm, dry and clean home provides the safe base from which to start solving life's problems, no matter how big or small they may be.

By providing a home to those in need first, regardless of their personal problems, is one way to replicate this fundamental stable environment that gives the person a leg up so they can move on to appropriate treatment.

The model is also based in psychological theory and research, reflecting the "hierarchy of needs" outlined by the psychologist Abraham Maslow. At the lowest level of his hierarchy are physiological and safety needs, such as food, warmth and security. It is not possible to move to higher levels of the hierarchy -- which encompass love, belonging, esteem and self-actualization, having a moral sense, being creative, acceptance of facts -- until the each of the lower levels have been met.

However, we all know that even in the best homes, the best environments, and under the best conditions, there remain drug addiction, mental illness, physical and sexual abuse and behavioural problems that leads to life on the street.

Such real world observations have led many in the general public and public health alike to adopt a "housing last" model, which is predicated on the idea that the best course of action is to first stabilize a person by addressing the mental illness and/or drug addiction so that they could go into housing.

It was reasoned that unless the underlying problems were addressed first, the housing provided could degenerate into the filthy SROs that epitomize the Downtown Eastside today.

Indeed, some would say that under the housing first model what has been provided are new, comfortable crack houses for addicts to shoot up, deal drugs and engage in prostitution or all manner of illegal activity. Moreover, if the person who was provided housing first decided not to address their problems, the person could be evicted back onto the streets and the vicious cycle continues.

Which model is correct? Quite frankly, both, but both can lead to disaster unless we remember the mistake we made in the 1990s with the closure of Riverview Psychiatric Hospital.

The decision to close Riverview was also based on the common-sense idea that psychiatric patients will do better living in communities as opposed to being locked up in a hospital. In communities, patients can interact with "normal" people which would help their reintegration back into society.

Read more of the article at

Does 'housing first' model make sense?

www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=97ccbd9d-f1d1-4111-8a8d-a1f8db22c207

Chinese Canadian achievements feted at Victoria's Empress Hotel, attended by Hon. Norman Kwong, Sen. Vivienne Poy, Dr. David Lai, Dr. Wallace Chung and many others.

Hon. Norman Kwong, Lt. Gov. of Alberta, addressing the 150 Years in Golden Mountain dinner audience - photo Todd Wong

It was a night to recognize achievements in Chinese Canadian history, and it was best summed up by the Hon. Lt. Gov. of Alberta Norman Kwong.  He told a story about how challenging it was being the first Chinese in the Canadian Football League, and how the Calgary Stampeders had given up on him. 

"Don't ever give up," he told the audience.  The he proudly showed his Stanley Cup ring and mentioned his four Grey Cup victories, "And I'm Chinese!" he said.

David Obee and Lucinda Chodan, Editor and Editor in Chief of the Vicotoria Times Colonist stand with Todd Wong, Victor Wong and Daniel Lee, holding up copies of the 12 page insert titled Chinatown that celebrated 150 years of Chinese Canadian Chinatown history - photo Deb Martin.

Archival picture displays of Chinese Canadian history greeted the audience for the "150 Years in Golden Mountain" gala event - photo Todd Wong

The evening had began with a reception in the Palm Court of the Empress Hotel.  There were picture displays, music, food and mingling.  I was finally able to meet Amanada Mills, the chair of the Victoria Chinese Commerce Association, who I had communicated with for months, as well as Sinclair Mar, the chair of the 150 Years in Golden Mountain Celebrations Committee.  And I also finally got to meet Dr. David Lai, Victoria Chinatown historian, whom I have heard so much about over the years.

Todd Wong & Sen. Vivienne Poy - photo Deb Martin.

Senator Vivienne Poy is the patron senator of Asian Heritage Month throughout Canada, and I first met her in Ottawa when I worked for Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society.  It's always nice to see Vivienne, as her husband's late Aunt Cecilia had been married to my grandmother's oldest brother Henry.

NDP leader Carole James & Todd Wong - photo Deb Martin

I chatted with Gabriel Yiu, news commentator, and Carole James, NDP Opposition Leader.  I asked Carole about her family ancestry, and she shared with me that her father was First Nations.  I thought it would be real cool if she became Premier, because then we would have both a Premier and Lt. Gov. of First Nations heritage!  I got to know Gabriel when we were both active on the Chinese Head Tax Redress campaign.  Unfortunately Jenny Kwan couldn't attend, as she is due with her second child in one month.

Many people traveled from Vancouver to attend this event.  I bumped into Tung Chan, executive director of SUCCESS.  We remarked that this was a great event and lamented that nothing of this scope was happening in Vancouver.... yet.

It was wonderful to see Dr. Wallace Chung and Dr. Madeline Chung of Vancouver.  They have given so much to the community in Vancouver, the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the UBC Asian Library.  They are friends of my parents, and it was Dr. Madeline who delivered me as a baby many many years ago.

Deb Martin, Valerie Sing Turner & Todd Wong - photo Deb Martin

Actor/Writer Valerie Sing Turner was there with her family, as her father James Sing was an award winner.  I had last seen Valerie's family at the opening of her theatrical production of Malaysia Hotel, when I helped promote it through Asian Heritage Month, and also find her some sponsorship.

Victoria councilor Charlene Thornton-Joe with Todd Wong - photo Deb Martin

Charlene Thornton-Joe came over to our table during the dinner to say hello.  It was the first time I had met this Victoria city councilor, after reading about her efforts to preserve Victoria's Chinese heritage.

It was nice to speak with MLA Ida Chong, who brought greetings from the Government of British Columbia, as Premier Campbell was in Beijing for the Olympics.  Ida Chong is one of the 6 newest invitees (along with me) to "The Party" exhibit at the Royal BC Museum, which features life-size photos of almost 150 of BC's most colourful and interesting characters.  Ida is the first Canadian-born MLA of Chinese ancestry.

150 Years in Golden Mountain Awards

My role at this dinner and awards evening  was to represent the Rev. Chan Yu Tan family along with my grand uncles Victor Wong and Daniel Lee.  We all sat at the same table, accompanied by Uncle Victor's wife Auntie Dorothy and my girlfriend Deb Martin.

Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe was the dinner Emcee, Hudson Mack of A-Channel was Emcee for the awards.

Norman Kwong, the Hon. Lt. Gov. of Alberta was invited to say a few official words of greeting, representing the Queen.  But instead he turned it into his acceptance speech for his award.  I guess there was some confusion, or else Mr. Kwong was very canny, because sadly there were no acceptance speeches allowed for the award recipients, as the program didn't allow for any on a very tight schedule.

But as each winner was escorted to the stage, there was a short video played on a large video screen with a voice-over, as pictures flashed before the audience.  It was a lovely gesture and helped to give meaning to each person's contributions to history and why they were deserving of the award.

Here's what the program said about the winner of the British Columbia Lifetime Cultural or Multicultural Award:

Picture of Rev. & Mrs. Chan Yu Tan's 60th Wedding Anniversary, surrounded by their family and descendants - photo Deb Martin.

Rev. Chan descendants Todd Wong, Daniel Lee, Victor Wong, stand beside Celebrations Chair Sinclair Mar and Awards Emcee Hudson Mack from A-Channel - photo Deb Martinev

Rev. Chan descendants Todd Wong, Daniel Lee, Victor Wong, stand beside Celebrations Chair Sinclair Mar and Awards Emcee Hudson Mack from A-Channel - photo Deb Martin

The evening's final award, the Golden Mountain Pioneer Legacy Award, was given in recognition to the Chinese Canadian Veterans.   Both my grand-uncles Victor Wong and Daniel Lee went to accept it.

Here's an excerpt from the program about the veterans:

Daniel Lee and Victor Wong stand onstage, as a picture of Victor Wong in India during WW2 is shown on the giant screen - photo Todd Wong

Uncle Dan and Uncle Victor proudly accepted the award, and the entire audience rose to give them a standing ovation.  They represented one of the most important moments in Chinese-Canadian history.  They both saluted the audience, the the applause grew louder.  I am very proud of my uncles, because I know about all the work and devotion they have to keeping the legacy of the Chinese Canadian veterans alive. 

Victor Wong and Daniel Lee, cousins and grandsons of Rev. Chan Yu Tan saluted the audience after accepting the Golden Mountain Pioneer Legacy Award on behalf of their fellow Chinese Canadian veterans- photo Todd Wong

Every November, Uncle Dan is out selling poppies in the streets of Vancouver and he is now 88 years old.  He has helped organize the Armistice Ceremonies in Vancouver's Victory Square for many many years.  Uncle Victor was interviewed for the CBC documentary Generations: The Chan Legacy, as he recounted stories about not only his grandfather Rev. Chan Yu Tan, but also about being in the service, and that he had been a part of a covert force behind enemy lines that were to be assigned suicide missions.  This is the legacy of the Chinese Canadian veterans - that even though the Canadian government wouldn't let them vote in the country they were born in, they were willing to lay down their lives to defend it.

Giles, Amanda Mills (VCCA Chair), Serena, Sinclair Mar (Celebration Chair), Deb Martin, Todd Wong shared thoughts and company after the event at The Empress Hotel's Bengal Lounge. - photo Deb Martin

More pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53803790@N00/sets/72157606697779094/

Here is a complete list of the awards:

The Golden Mountain Achievement Awards:
"...the recognize persons of distinction in the Chinese community or for being intrumental in the growth and development of Chinese culture and business..."'

Canadian Lifetime Individual Achievement Award
Dr. David See-Chia Lam

Canada Lifetime Public and Community Serivce Award
Ron Lou-Poy, Q.C.

Canada Lifetime Public and Community Service Award
Senator Vivienne Poy

Canada Lifetime Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
Hon. Norman L. Kwong

Canada Lifetime Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
James Alan Loo Sing

British Columbia Lifetime Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
Hok Yat Louie (post-humous), Tong Louie (post-humous), Brandt Louie, H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd, and London Drugs Ltd.

British Columbia Lifetime Public and Community Service Award
Sgt. Roy Quock Quon Mah (post-humous)

British Columbia Lifetime Cultural or Multicultural Award
Rev. Chan Yu Tan (post-humous)

Inaugural Golden Mountain Achievement Awards British Columbia:
"For recognition of persons or businesses, who are persons of Chinese descent or an organization having "Chinese" roots, who have excelled in their field of endeavor benefiting the Chinese Canadian communities or Canadian society.  These awards are to be for nominations in or related to British Columbia

BC Business and Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd.

British Columbia Arts, Culture or Educational Achievement Award
Dr. Hua Lin

British Columbia Community and Public Service Award
Phillip J. Chan (post-humous)

British Columbia Online or Multi-platform Achievement Award
Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation

Inaugural Golden Mountain Roots Awards and All-Canadian Benefactor Awards:
"The 'Roots' awards are for recognition of distinguished work and dedication to preserving our heritage, culture, and or to advancing our economic impact or advancing business enterprises or projects or research, in or related to, or tied to Victoria BC and/or creating better understanding between Canadians of all backgrounds and/or advancing the entrepreneurial spirit emanating from our roots, Victoria, BC.  they are the safekeepers of our heritage and roots in Victoria, the first Chinatown in Canada.

Victoria, British Columbia Individual or Family Victoria Heritage Award
Don Yuen

Victoria, British Columbia Individual or Family Heritage Award
Dr. Yuen-Fong Woon

Victoria, British Columbia Corporate or Organizational Heritage Award
Fairway Market

Victoria "Roots" Community and Public Service Heritage Award
Dr. David Lai

Victoria "Roots" Community and Public Service Heritage Award
Lee Mong Kow Family

British Columbia All-Canadian Benefactor Award
&
Victoria "Roots" Community and Public Service Heritage Award
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Victoria "Roots" All-Canadian Benefactor Award
Victoria Chinese Presbyterian Church

Golden Mountain Pioneer Legacy Award
Chinese Canadian Veterans

150 Years in Golden Mountain
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/capital_van_isl/story.html?id=ee16c99d-5863-44a9-a0ba-09aac28a6ade

Pageant will tell tales of Golden Mountain
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=867dcebe-097b-4652-9ac6-a4c65456d34c

Celebration Pageant
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/capital_van_isl/story.html?id=ee16c99d-5863-44a9-a0ba-09aac28a6ade

August 3-10 is Chinese Canadian Heritage Days, in honour of 150 years of Chinese Canadian achievements - throughout many municipalities on Vancouver Island.

http://www.150goldenmountain.ca/EN/main/18.html

Victoria Chinese Commerce Association is hosting two events Friday August 8, and Saturday August 9th to celebrate 150 years of achievement of Chinese Canadians in Canada.  August 8th is a gala dinner and awards event celebrating the achievements of individuals and organizations.  August 9th is a theatrical "pageant" celebrating 150 years of historical events.

Victoria, British Columbia, (which the Chinese call 'Dai Fau' or Big Port) is where the early Chinese created the first Chinatown. Historically, Chinatowns were the focal points of the early Chinese communities, each being a "haven" and a base from which new immigrants could begin their new lives.

My grandmother's granfather Rev. Chan Yu Tan arrived in Victoria in 1896, following his elder brother Rev. Chan Sing Kai, who had come to Canada in 1888 at the invitation of the Methodist Church of Canada, to help found the Chinese Methodist Church of Canada.  Many of Canada's pioneer Chinese all came through Victoria, as they traveled to Nanaimo, Vancouver, New Westminster, Barkerville, and throughout Canada to mine the Caribou goldfields, build the railway, or find other work.

The awards nominees represent some of the best, brightest and most creative Chinese Canadians ever.  They are:

ANA vets Pacific Unit #280, Philip Chan, Chinese Canadian Veterans, Denise Chong, Wayson Choy, CHMB AM 1320, Hon. Ida Chong, Derek Chow, John Chew, Adrienne Clarkson, Mel Cooper, Won Alexander Cumyow, Fairchild Group, Chow Dong Hoy, Shouying (Sue) Jiang, Douglas Jung, Lee Mong Kow Family, Larry Kwong, Hon. Norman Kwong, Cynthia Lam, Dr. David Lai, Dr. David Lam, Dorothy Lam, Howe Lee, Jack Lee, Dr. Hua Lin, Dr. Victor Ling, Ronald Lou-Poy, Q.C., Frank Low, Alan Lowe, Alexina Louie, H.Y. Louie Company Limited, Hok Yat Louie, Tong Louie & Brandt Louie, H.Y. Louie Company Ltd & London Drugs, Willis Louie, Sgt. Roy Quock Quon Mah, Tak Wah Mak, Gary Mar, Hon. Inky Mark, Fairway Market, Wayne Ngan, Senator Vivienne Poy, Gordon Quan, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, James Sing, Rev. Chan Yu Tan, Jack Tang, Victoria Chinese Presbyterian Church, Victoria Chinese Public School, Milton Wong, Sheung Wong, Dr. Yuen-Fong Woon, Don Yuen, & Jim Yu.

I am attending as a descendant of Rev. Chan Yu Tan, who was earlier announced as a Community Achievement winner.  My grandmother's brother -  Daniel Lee is representing Army/Navy/Airforce veterans Unit #280.  My grandmother's cousin Victor Wong is representing Chinese Canadian Veterans of Victoria.

Today I talked with Amanda Mills, co-chair for the event.  Amanda said that she is really pleased that everything is unfolding for a grand event that will be very special. 

She told me that some of the "celebrity" Chinese Canadians attending on Saturday include: Hon. Norman Kwong, now the Lt. Gov. of Alberta - the famous "China Clipper" Edmonton Eskimos football player who not only won the Grey Cup, but also the Stanley Cup as an owner of the Calgary Flames.

Sen. Vivienne Poy, the patron senator of Asian Heritage Month in Canada is attending, from her home in Ontario.

MLA Ida Chong will be representing the BC Govermnent.  Ida was also recently invited to "The Party" at the Royal BC Museum.  She is the first Canadian-born BC MLA of Chinese ancestry.

MLA Jenny Kwan is also attending.  Jenny was the first Chinese-Canadian MLA and cabinet minister.  MLA Carole James, leader of the Opposition, is also attending.

It's going to be a star-studded night in Chinese-Canadian history.

Hmmm.... Should I go as Todd Wong, great-great-grandson of Rev. Chan Yu Tan, or as Toddish McWong and wear my kilt?

Amanda says she is looking forward to finally meeting me, after many phone and e-mail conversations.  She is hoping I will wear my kilt.