TransLink buses wrapped in Chinese language ads cause a stir in Richmond

Some TransLink buses in the Lower Mainland have been singled out because they carryChinese language ads.

Some Richmond residents are upset with TransLink for not requiring the advertisements to be in English or French.

One resident, Kerry Starchuk, says she has spotted buses in Vancouver, Richmondand Ladnerwithads that are mostly in Chinese.

"Our demographics in Richmond are Chinese, but what about the remainder of the people that live here?"said Starchuk.

"I would like to see the ad in English first then any other language that they desire," said Richmond resident, Michelle Mitchell.

But according toa TransLink spokesperson, there are no provincial or municipal laws in B.C. that requireadvertisements to bein either of Canada's two official languages.

On that basis, they say TransLink has no authority to deny advertising in any languageas long as it meets itsadvertising guidelines, which have no restrictions on which language is used.

Freedom of expression in bus ads

Starchuk has been petitioning TransLink and Richmond city council to require at least 50 per cent of bus advertisements to be in one of Canada's official languages.

"Doing this kind of stuff, it creates tension. It creates divide," said Starchuk. "We have to be able to share a common language with one another," said Starchuk.

TransLink has changed its advertising policy in the past.

In 2009, the company's previous advertising policy was challenged when it refused to post a political advertisement on the sides of buses.

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The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that part of the policy, which prohibited advocacy advertising, violated the complainant's right to freedom of expression.

A TransLink spokesperson says due to this legal precedent, the company expects it would encounter a similar challenge and outcome if it were to change its advertising policy to limit what languages can be placed on signs.

TransLInksays that unless the province or a municipality passesa law that directs this kind ofchange, itwill continue to allow Chinese languageads on itsbuses.

According to a background paper from the Library of Parliament, B.C. is theonly province or territory not to have a legislativepolicy or regulatory framework in place to recognizeofficial languages.

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Meanwhile, the City of Richmond says that although it requires by contract advertisements on bus shelters to feature at least 50 per cent English, buses and transit stations are withinTransLink's jurisdiction.

Aspokesperson for the province said no provincial legislation exists that would govern language policy for TransLink.

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As for Starchuk, she says she would like to put the matter to rest, but it would require the province taking the initiative to implement a language law that would give British Columbians better direction.