Brandt Louie on changing the narrative for future generations

In June 2023, Mr. Brandt Louie spoke in the Senate of Canada as part of the ceremonies marking the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, a law denying citizenship and rights for Chinese Canadians despite being born in Canada. An accomplished business leader and educator, Louie is passionate about building foundations for diversity and inclusions in his local community and nationally in Canada. 

Cold Tea Collective’s editors May Au and Samson Chan sat down with Mr. Brandt Louie OBC, Chair and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited and Chair of London Drugs Limited., to learn about his experience growing up in Canada and insights about changing the narrative for the future generations of the Asian diaspora. 

Showing resilience early in his career

As a Chinese Canadian, Brandt Louie is no stranger to discrimination. Growing up in the family business, he witnessed firsthand how his father and others navigated discrimination and barriers due to the Chinese Exclusion Act which was repealed in May 1947. 

The Louie family, like all Chinese at that time, had minimal rights and were exposed to institutional and social discrimination that limited their business and opportunities to compete fairly. Despite all the limitations, the Louie family successfully navigated a very challenging business landscape through sheer will and determination. It is testament to the courage they had, that the family business has continued to be successful for over 120 years.

When Brandt Louie completed university and began his career as a chartered accountant, the situation still remained inequitable, though less obvious than in the past when his grandfather started their family business. “To believe that racism disappeared in my time, or in your time is a fallacy,” says Louie. “There were still large well-known firms that had an unwritten policy to not hire Asians.” 

Instead of dwelling on the inequity, Louie chose to work for the firms that wanted to employ him, and brought his skills there to help those firms succeed. Equipped with the experience and skills learned, he re-joined the family business and went on to become the Chair and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, and Chair of London Drugs Limited. “I felt that if I’m going to get ahead, it will be because of what I accomplished on my own merit,” Louie reminisces.

Proud of being Canadian

Louie has always believed that while “Chinese Canadian” is a generally accepted term to describe a person, it can limit a person’s perspectives. He describes himself first and foremost as a Canadian, not just because he was born here, but because he feels one should fully belong to one’s country, chosen or not. 

In talking to young entrepreneurs, he emphasizes that if everything is approached through the lens of “how do I succeed as a Chinese Canadian person” rather than “how can I accomplish great things as a Canadian” will limit your potential to achieve your goals fully. In other words, you engage in the world in a way that seeks opportunity, rather than obstacles and stop seeing yourself as “other.” 

To Louie, it is also imperative that one shouldn’t forget the history, culture, and language of our origins, and pass it on to the next generation. “We, as Chinese, should never forget where we, or our ancestors, come from,” he says.

He practices Chinese traditions in his family, and teaches his family those same traditions and values. Louie hopes that the next generation will appreciate their own culture and learn about Chinese history. He shares, “in doing so, also learn that in the past, there was discrimination, and things were not the way they are today. There was somebody who came before them… who helped make things a lot easier.”

Inclusivity promotes diversity and equity

Based on his experiences, despite the discrimination he faced growing up,  Louie firmly believes putting yourself in close contact with people of all backgrounds truly promotes diversity and equity. 

He recounted how his parents, Tong and Geraldine Louie, were among the first Chinese people to leave Chinatown to live in a predominantly white neighbourhood in Vancouver, in spite of opposition and discomfort. 

Additionally, Louie is a proponent of building strong relationships with people of all cultures. He remembers how many members from non-Chinese Canadian neighbours and communities supported and mentored his father and him, “I don’t believe that anybody is totally successful without a lot of mentorship.” And for Mr. Louie, to be a mentor is part of our privilege and responsibility as participants in Canadian society.

Be the change for the present and future of the Asian diaspora

As a leader, Louie has maintained London Drugs and his other companies as a place where people of all backgrounds are treated equally. He converges his two cultures as a Chinese Canadian into his business culture. Even to this day, Louie has his grandfather’s wisdoms displayed in his offices to act as guidance and inspiration..

“We give people the opportunity to thrive no matter their ethnicity, gender or religion. We have a diverse mix of very talented people in all levels of the organization,” Louie says about the work culture at London Drugs. “They all have the same opportunity to grow and rise to the highest ranks.”

Inclusion brings people together, and unity builds resilience. With a truly inclusive culture, Louie’s businesses has thrived. London Drugs alone has grown to a size of over 80 stores across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan and employs more than 7,000 staff. 

See also: Building communities beyond Vancouver’s Chinatown with Anita, Alyce, and Amy Chan

Education is key for the next generation

Louie believes that investing in education leads to change. He says “education is the key that opens the doors… It is our responsibility to empower young Canadians.” 

Changing the narrative for the Asian diaspora

Reflecting on Louie’s experiences in the past and present can offer many people in the Asian diaspora a sense of optimism for what’s to come in today’s world. Instead of being weighed down with the past, there are many lessons we can learn from history, Louie says, “the next generation of young people are very comfortable embracing diversity… They don’t see differences, they don’t see one group or person better than another.” 

He believes that no one was born with discrimination in their minds, they learn that as they grow. Louie says, “colour should never be a barrier… It is in the skills that you bring to the table.” It is in how we educate, protect, and empower this new generation that will allow us to be able to continue to foster the growth of diversity and inclusion in our society.

In essence, Mr. Brandt Louie believes hard work and experience should determine your success in Canadian society. You should have no need to apologize for where you came from, your worth is determined by what you bring and contribute.

“There’s so much to be gained by living, and incorporating the best of both your heritage and your chosen country. That’s your responsibility as a member of both cultures,” Brandt Louie concludes passionately. “The future belongs to you and is only as small or large as your imagination allows.”

Being a modern Asian Canadian means standing firm in both your identity as a Canadian and your heritage, and using your unique skills and abilities to achieve success.

See also: Uncovering inspiration from Asian Canadian entrepreneurs at Vancouver Startup Week 2023