By David P. Ball
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The head of an organization that works extensively with Vancouver Chinatown seniors is speaking out on new data confirming record-high anti-Asian hate crime reports last year.

Vancouver police confirmed last week what many in the city's Chinese-Canadian community had experienced over the year that saw the COVID-19 pandemic escalate: racism and discrimination. But the actual data — that reports of anti-Asian hate crimes skyrocketed by 878 per cent — remains extremely disturbing and unacceptable, said Queenie Choo, CEO of the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. nonprofit organization.

Choo told The Pulse on CFRO she wants to see police ensure they take such reports more seriously, and although in Vancouver they have increased community outreach, Choo said much more is needed.

Additionally, she believes the education system needs to do more to address prejudice.