Vancouver's annual Chinese New Year Parade is one of the city's biggest, most colourful celebrations – which makes it a perfect chance for politicians to score valuable face time.
Liberal MLA Richard Lee was among those who came down to hobnob with the electorate, calling the event "a very good opportunity" to connect with the community.
"We have above 50,000 people coming to Chinatown just for this parade," he said.
With both the BC Liberals and New Democrats voting for new leaders in the coming months, it's a critical time for potential party heads to shore up support – though not everyone was willing to admit it.
NDP leadership candidate Adrian Dix refused to talk shop at the parade, calling it "a day we can leave the leadership race on the side."
But politicians of every stripe and level were still out, including federal Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff – who offered an enthusiastic "Gung Hay Fat Choy!" before dubbing Vancouver the place to be for Chinese New Year.
"This is the big daddy of Chinese New Year celebrations in Canada," he said. "Be there or be square."
Though Ignatieff brushed off any talk of an election in 2011, he admitted he was "hoping the Year of the Rabbit will be good for me. That's all I've got to say."
For some, like NDP MLA Jenny Kwan, the parade was also an opportunity to heal some of the damage done in 2010. Kwan, who was among the bakers dozen of dissidents who called for Carole James' resignation last fall, said she hoped for a less divisive year for her party.
"This is the Year of the Rabbit, and so it brings harmony and peace," she said. "Let's look forward to that."
As candidates handed out lucky red envelopes and treats to parade-goers, Lee said he also hopes the Rabbit will set the tone for the coming year.
"Rabbit is very productive, also very active," he said, adding that it could translate into a boost in the economy – a promising prediction for voters on all sides.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Penny Daflos
