What Happened
A video posted by Vancouver councillor Lenny Zhou has sparked significant backlash from several opposition councillors. In the five-minute video shared on WeChat, Zhou accuses his fellow councillors of being drug users and distributors, particularly in relation to an upcoming motion by councillor Rebecca Bligh to reverse Vancouver’s ban on new supportive housing units.
Why It Matters
The allegations made by Zhou are serious and have led to a press conference held by councillors Rebecca Bligh, Pete Fry, Lucy Maloney, and Sean Orr, who condemned Zhou’s statements. They argue that such claims undermine the integrity of the council and could have broader implications for public trust in local governance. Zhou’s comments have raised concerns within the Chinese community regarding the potential impact of supportive housing on neighborhood safety.
What’s Next
The controversy is likely to escalate as the council prepares to vote on the motion regarding supportive housing. Zhou has called on the Chinese community to voice their support against the motion, framing it as a critical issue for community safety. The council’s response to these allegations and the outcome of the vote will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents of the proposed housing changes.
