VANCOUVER, Canada – A Filipino Canadian woman is running for a seat in parliament as the Conservative Party’s candidate.

The ruling Conservative Party has chosen Irene Yatco to go up against the opposition New Democratic Party in the Vancouver East Riding.

The downtown eastside known as the poorest section in Vancouver and China town is part of the Vancouver East Riding. The riding is a stronghold of the opposition, undefeated for more than a decade.

Canadian Immigration Commissioner Jason Kenney believes Yatco has what it takes to steal the area from the opposition.

“We need you there. We need a strong voice. We need the first Filipino-Canadian in parliament. We need the first Canadian-Filipino origin from British Columbia in parliament. We need her capability, her dedication to the community. We need you there. Please do everything you can to get behind Irene and send her to parliament,” Kenney said.

Yatco knows she faces a difficult task ahead. She counts on the support of ethnic communities, especially Filipinos.

“This is the perfect stage where we should start getting involved in the government, in the election process and being able to bring our issues, bring the issues of the community to government,” said Yatco.

One Filipino community leader admits not all Filipinos support Yatco. Still, he calls on the community to unite behind her if only to have a Filipino voice in parliament.

"We will benefit more if Irene is there,” said Tom Avendano, head of the Multicultural Helping House Society. Balitang America