Ken Sim: A Question of Gratitude, Power, and Allegiance

 

Ken Sim: A Question of Gratitude, Power, and Allegiance

Ken Sim’s actions as Vancouver’s mayor have raised some serious questions—not just about his policies but about his understanding of the land and people he governs. Sim, whose parents immigrated from Hong Kong, has spent much of his political career catering to the interests of wealthy developers, corporate elites, and, most recently, pushing forward racist and harmful proposals that target vulnerable Indigenous populations in Vancouver.

It’s striking that Sim, as a child of immigrants, should understand the value of being welcomed into a country—a country that promised freedom and opportunity. And yet, his actions, from his controversial memo on relocating Indigenous people to his repeated neglect of the homeless, seem to indicate that his loyalty lies elsewhere.

Gratitude? Or Disdain?

One would assume that someone in Ken Sim’s position, who is benefiting from Canada’s generosity, would be aware of the historical oppression faced by Indigenous peoples in this country. His parents may have left Hong Kong to find better opportunities, but it’s essential to question whether Sim feels any allegiance to the land that welcomed his family. The rhetoric he promotes and the policies he enacts seem to indicate a complete disregard for the Indigenous nations who have been here for thousands of years.

Sim’s recent proposal to remove Indigenous residents from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) has sparked outrage, and rightly so. It is a classic example of a colonial mindset that views the land as something to be used and exploited—rather than cared for and respected. For someone who has benefited from the opportunities in Canada, you would think Sim would have more compassion for those who are still struggling, especially Indigenous communities.

How Did He Get Into Power?

Ken Sim’s rise to power has not been without controversy. His business connections—especially in real estate—have raised questions about whether his political actions are truly for the benefit of Vancouver’s residents or simply a way to serve his personal interests. In many ways, his career is a prime example of how power dynamics in Canada and the US often cater to corporate interests and wealthy elites—while leaving everyday people to fend for themselves.

Sim’s power doesn’t come from a genuine desire to help the people of Vancouver; it comes from connections to the real estate industry—the very industry that has gutted the city’s affordable housing stock and left the most vulnerable to suffer. It’s essential to ask: who does Ken Sim truly owe his position to?

Looking at the US: Is This a Pattern?

What’s happening in the US—where wealthy, powerful figures are coming to power with questionable allegiances—is becoming disturbingly familiar in Canadian politics. We have seen the rise of leaders who, instead of serving their people, prioritize the interests of corporations, developers, and foreign investors. Ken Sim is not alone in this trend. He appears to be a part of a broader shift in global politics, where power is leveraged to secure personal gain—often at the expense of the most vulnerable.

Is Sim using his position as mayor to further his own agenda and that of his wealthy friends in the real estate industry? Or is he simply a puppet of larger forces that have their sights set on Vancouver as a profitable playground for their projects?

What Are Ken Sim’s True Intentions?

We must start asking these tough questions. Is Sim’s allegiance to the land and people of Vancouver, or does his power rest in corporate interests that have no respect for the Indigenous land upon which this city was built? His actions suggest that his intentions are not about reconciliation or justice for Indigenous communities or the people of Vancouver. Instead, they seem to focus on the needs of the wealthy few who want to see Vancouver’s land and resources commodified.

His actions show us who he is—and the reality is, Sim doesn’t appear to have any true commitment to improving the lives of Vancouver’s residents. Instead, he seems to be serving the interests of the powerful who put him in office. If anything, his policies suggest that he has little to no regard for the legacy of Indigenous peoples or the struggles of marginalized communities.

Ken Sim’s Lack of Vision for Vancouver’s Future

Vancouver needs leadership that understands the land, the people, and the deep-rooted injustices faced by Indigenous communities. Instead, Ken Sim’s actions seem to indicate that he is cutting deals behind closed doors to benefit the wealthy, while ignoring the needs of those who need leadership the most.

If Ken Sim truly cares about Vancouver, it’s time for him to show it—not by forcing Indigenous people out of their communities, but by standing with them, fighting for their rights, and prioritizing justice.

Until then, we must ask ourselves: who does Ken Sim truly owe his power to? And, more importantly, what kind of future does he want for Vancouver?