Rick Hansen
He doesn’t really need an introduction, but for those new to the country, Rick Hansen is CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation and is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities in Canada and around the world. As well as being a celebrated Paralympic athlete, Hansen is best known as the “Man In Motion,” for his epic two-year wheelchair trip around the world to prove the potential of people with disabilities. Since the Man In Motion tour, Hansen has dedicated his life to creating a world that is accessible and inclusive for all by removing barriers for people with disabilities. He was also one of the 2010 Olympic Games official torchbearers. Hansen and his wife, Amanda, live in Steveston and have three daughters.
What is your most memorable Canada Day?
Steveston Salmon Festival with kids. Richmond is our home and where we raised our three daughters. We got to celebrate with gratitude how lucky we are to be Canadian.
What is one of Canada’s greatest strengths?
Diversity and emerging emphasis on inclusivity.
What is one of Canada’s greatest challenges?
Coming up to Canada’s 150th birthday, we need to remind ourselves of the principals and values that distinguish us as a young nation and as a contributor and receiver of a global society.
Name your favourite famous Canadian?
Terry Fox: Terry and I were teammates in wheelchair basketball and he was a caring and determined difference-maker who gave everything to help find a cure for cancer.
Name your favourite Canadian band/artist/author?
David Foster. He has produced so many amazing songs for so many Canadian and international artists, including the Saint Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) songwhich was the theme song for my world tour.
Is there a part of Canada you would like to visit, and why?
I would like to continue to visit Canada’s north. While I’ve been to every province/territory, it’s so vast and changing so rapidly.
Devi Ralla
Devi Ralla is a hugely popular, former marathon runner, training leader and Hugh Boyd secondary education assistant. She has a small army of followers, more than 150 at the last count, called Team Devi, who run the Vancouver Marathon on her behalf, after she had to give up running two years ago to continue her fight against cancer. Her marathon team has raised tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research.
What is your most memorable Canada Day?
Hanging out in the Buck & Ear’s beer garden in Steveston with a whole bunch of friends.
What is one of Canada’s greatest strengths?
Our diversity and inclusion.
What is one of Canada’s greatest challenges?
We must get back to living within our means.
Name your favourite famous Canadian?
Terry Fox
Name your favourite Canadian band/artist/author?
Band: Tragically Hip; artist: Emily Carr; author: Rohinton Mistry
Is there a part of Canada you would like to visit, and why?
Atlantic Canada, as I’ve seen lots of photos and it looks beautiful.
Christine Wong
Christine Wong made a name for herself in the world of women’s golf, before and after graduating from McMath secondary in 2009. Wong, now 26, grew up playing out of Quilchena Golf and Country Club in west Richmond and placed 2nd low amateur in the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. She played on the Canadian Women’s National Golf Team from 2009-2013 and placed 4th at the World Amateur Championships in Argentina.
What is your most memorable Canada Day?
2014, when my family and I participated in the Steveston Canada Day parade as part of the BC Golf Association float. My dad and I played SNAG golf from the start to the end of the parade.
What is one of Canada’s greatest strengths?
We are one of the most diverse countries in the world, which welcomes people of all ethnicities and cultures.
What is one of Canada’s greatest challenges?
Keeping up with the stereotypes of solely eating poutine and maple syrup and living in igloos!
Name your favourite famous Canadian?
Brooke Henderson (LPGA golfer)
Name your favourite Canadian band/artist/author?
Justin Beiber
Is there a part of Canada you would like to visit, and why?
I would love to experience the Northern Lights.
Bill Zylmans
Bill Zylmans’ father, William (Bill), immigrated from Holland in 1949 and quickly set up W & A Farms that Bill junior has been running since the mid ‘70s. He now farms 482 acres across Richmond, producing potatoes, strawberries, vegetables and beef cattle. As well as serving on multiple City of Richmond and community committees over the years, Zylmans is currently the chair of the Agricultural Land Commission’s South Coast Panel.
What is your most memorable Canada Day?
Easy. 1986, the Expo year. We had relatives and friends from around the world staying with us from Europe and Australia. There was about 18 of them staying with us; that was really exciting. We all went to the Salmon Festival and stayed for the fireworks. Richmond was awesome back then; it was undeveloped and a great place to live. The Salmon Festival is our grassroots here in Richmond and it’s what sets us apart from everyone else on July 1.
What is one of Canada’s greatest strengths?
Canada has always been the land of opportunity and it has given myself and my family a wonderful place to call home. We are able to achieve all we want to.
What is one of Canada’s greatest challenges?
The geographical landscape is so rugged and diverse and often remote, it can separate us a little. But yet, when you look at what’s happening around the world, we are a very united country.
Name your favourite famous Canadian?
Terry Fox. I really believed in what he stood for and admired how determined he was. He was, and still is, a great mentor for children and it helps them believe that they can achieve anything in life.
Name your favourite Canadian band/artist/author?
Shania Twain. I’ve always admired her music and it was the first concert I took my daughter to.
Is there a part of Canada you would like to visit, and why?
I serve on so many committees that I rarely get the chance to travel. But I’d love to go to the likes of PEI. They grow potatoes there and potatoes are close to my heart; that’s my business. We have amazing places to visit in Canada, so we don’t need to travel the world, it’s all here.
