Vancouver Votes

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing 4 Families + More
2. Environmental Sustainable
3. Transportation/Tunnelling

Platform:

In this Vancouver City Election, I intend to become one of the best accessible Councillors working for the needs of the people.
We must ensure the development of Vancouver has a strategic plan for our future needs by creating a clean, self-sufficient, renewable, energy independent city working with new emerging technology partnerships we all can embrace.

I plan to support family and individual housing issues, businesses, and our cultural communities.

I am an Independent.

Biography:

Hello, I am Marlo Franson, born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Moved to Vancouver after graduating with a BA in 1994. Pursued more education throughout the years, worked numerous employment fields including my own business. I love to bike around Stanley Park and Vancouver. I am motivated, a quick learner and problem solver. I understand easily and smile a lot.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Solutions for housing
2. Affordable, vibrant city
3. Climate justice

Platform:

Christine will work for a more equitable, vibrant city where we can all live and belong. Christine is committed to OneCity policies that focus on affordability, cultural diversity and sustainability. Christine's strong record of tackling inequality, contributing to climate solutions, and deepening democratic engagement will help City Council to focus on the priorities of all Vancouverites. Christine is running with OneCity.

Biography:

Christine Boyle is a United Church Minister, climate activist, organizer, parent of two children and a lifelong resident of Vancouver. She has a BSc in Urban Agriculture and First Nations Studies from UBC and an MA in Religious Leadership for Social Change. Since 2016, she has been Minister of Community Life at Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable housing
2. Enhance transportation
3. Reduce permit wait time

Platform:

VANCOUVER 1st a big tent libertarian minded party believing in rule of law, putting residents and taxpayers of Vancouver first.
We are home to the free enterprise and entrepreneurs' movement who believe in lower taxes, and small government.
Our goal is to create an environment of certainty where people, neighborhoods, and all communities can thrive, grow and prosper.
Vancouver 1st, is led by Fred Harding, who believes in consultation, transparency and most importantly accountability.

Biography:

Nycki has policed in the Downtown Eastside but is presently an articling student completing her requirements to become a lawyer. She has degrees in Communication and Law and has extensive experience working on large projects at the local, national and international level. She volunteers for various organizations and is a community activist therefore is well versed in Vancouver's issues.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Child Care
2. Affordable Housing
3. Public Consultation

Platform:

Vancouver is facing an affordability crisis. Together, we need to make Vancouver a family friendly city. Affordability is pushing families and seniors out of Vancouver. We need to explore new ideas to create affordable family housing and increase the supply of child care spaces in our city. As a City Councillor running for re-election, I bring professional experience, a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to move our city forward in a positive direction.

Biography:

Councillor Melissa De Genova brings professional leadership to non-market housing. A voice for Millennials, Melissa is committed to delivering affordable child care and family housing. Previously elected to Park Board, she strongly advocates for seniors, green space, arts & culture. Melissa lives in East Vancouver with her husband, who works as a police officer, and their one-year old daughter.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Address opioid crisis
2. Community centers
3. Affordable housing

Platform:

VANCOUVER 1st a big tent libertarian minded party believing in rule of law, putting residents and taxpayers of Vancouver first. We are home to the free enterprise and entrepreneurs' movement who believe in lower taxes, and small government.
Our goal is to create an environment of certainty where people, neighborhoods, and all communities can thrive, grow and prosper.
Vancouver 1st, is led by Fred Harding, who believes in consultation, transparency and most importantly accountability.

Biography:

Elizabeth's professional, business and leadership skills have been honed through National experience over 16 years as Senior Financial Analyst in the corporate world. She works with people struggling with financial stress and helps them find solutions. With experience as a public speaker and responsible for field leadership, coaching and mentoring, Elizabeth is deeply invested in the personal success of others.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Purpose Built Homes
2. Purpose Built Mobility
3. Purpose Built Communities

Platform:

I will work to deliver a Purpose Built Vancouver. We need a Vancouver that serves all our different communities.

As my top priorities, I will work to get rid of speculation, build abundant homes, and make our city safe for everyone. We must increase transportation accessibility and restore vitality to our neighbourhoods and businesses.

Vancouver needs policy with purpose. It's time to focus on evidence-based policy, building on what works.

Biography:

I'm a single father of 5 young kids, living in downtown Vancouver.

I have founded two non-profit associations: Abundant Housing Vancouver and Abundant Transit BC, to advocate for more choices in how we live and get around our city.

I blog at 5 Kids 1 Condo, where I write about the opportunities and challenges of urban family life in Vancouver.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Homes for Vancouverites
2. Affordability/livability
3. Serve public interest

Platform:

I believe that Vancouver can be a fairer, greener, and more affordable city for all. I'm committed to serving our city with honesty and integrity. I'm committed to transparency and good process that sees citizens meaningfully engaged in the decisions that effect their lives, including planning and city budgeting. I'm committed to climate leadership, sustainability and a strong inclusive local economy. I'm committed to a city hall that works well and prioritizes local interests.

Biography:

I immigrated to Canada as a child and grew up here in Vancouver. I live in Strathcona with my wife, a dog and two cats. I've been self-employed my entire adult life, and have worked with hundreds of local small businesses, arts and non-profits. I'm most proud of my volunteer work in community development and as an advocate.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable safe housing
2. Overdose Crisis
3. Development for People

Platform:

The City of Vancouver has failed to eradicate homelessness, and further, there is a shortage of safe, affordable housing for those of us on the lower end of the income scale.
I feel the City has a great deal of power, and could negotiate with the Province of B.C. to ensure that no lower-income Vancouverite should be forced to pay more than 1/3 of their limited income on Rent. This is long, long overdue!

Biography:

John Spark has been a Vancouver resident for 30 years, and has been involved in numerous political campaigns, including a run for the Provincial Legislature with the Progressive Democratic Alliance in 1996. John currently works for Costco Canada as a Service Associate (Parking Lot Attendant), and has worked there for 6 years.
Also, BAH (Political Science) from Queen's University, 1989.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable rental units
2. Rezoning to add supply
3. Jobs for our homeless

Platform:

I'm running as an independent because I only want to be beholden to our citizens. Some of the issues I hope to work on are building affordable rental units on city owned land, liquidating certain city owned assets, rezoning dilapidated commercial buildings into skyscrapers, as well as creating a jobs program for our homeless population.

Biography:

Born in Vancouver in 1988 . I'm one of the millennial Vancouverites who Government has forgotten. I come from a strong financial background, having 10 years experience as a retail day trader. I also turned around a failing car dealership, and brought it to profitability. This entrepreneurial mindset is missing on council, and will fix some of our economic issues.

Top 3 priorities:

1. put local businesses 1st
2. infrastructure resilience
3. cheaper housing & transit

Platform:

- expanded zero-waste centres
- commercial kitchens & industrial sewing machines at community centres
- more B-lines & north/south bus routes for SE Van
- artisan cart vending permit program (like food trucks)
- use city land for non-market & subsidized housing
- incentives for single-family homeowners to build rental suites
- impose levy on profitable multinationals, not on local independent business
- require developers of family-sized units to build classroom space at local schools

Biography:

I am a public school teacher and life-long advocate for social change. Growing up in Vancouver in the eighties, I was raised in the peace, labour, and environmental activist movements. Now a mom trying to raise two kids in an increasingly unaffordable city, my frustration with decades of government inaction has driven me into politics.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Council working together
2. Review planning regs.
3. Climate change action

Platform:

As an Independent Council Member, I will use my experience and skills to work constructively with the Mayor and other Councillors on common goals.
I will support city, provincial and federal budget initiatives to improve city transportation, the Arts and to protect our ocean shores and river environments.
We need to review city planning regulations, with the goal of ensuring long-term, sustainable, and mixed-use neighbourhoods to keep Vancouver a supernaturally beautiful city.

Biography:

Civic Experience
Vancouver School Board Chairperson for 3 terms Trustee for 6 years
Vancouver Symphony Board Member for 6 years
Vancouver Board of Trade member experience
Vancouver Art Gallery active member
Work Experience
Industrial Safety Consultant
UN International Canadian Election Observer
Academic Qualifications
Brock University Chemistry degree, BCIT OHS diploma, Certificates: Sauder School of Business, Justice Institute Emergency Management

Top 3 priorities:

1. Diverse affordable homes
2. More art in the city
3. Zero waste, no single-use

Platform:

I'm not a politician.

I'm a community builder who thrives on understanding, connection and strategy. While I'm passionate about housing, the arts and zero waste, I understand these are my pursuits. As an independent, I want to bring more thoughtful engagement, authentic partnership, creative problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking to council. I'm not working towards my Vancouver, I'm looking to build a more dynamic and diverse ours.

Biography:

I'm a communications strategist, project manager and writer/editor. Previously, I was a research consultant in the settlement of Indian Residential School abuse claims. I'm a graduate of SPEC's Master Recycler program, a project manager with Small Housing BC, co-founder of the BC Tiny House Collective and a career mentor for newcomers with MOSAIC.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Public Consultation
2. Balanced Budget
3. City-wide Plan

Platform:

As a member of the NPA TEAM, Colleen Hardwick is running to help tackle the livability and affordability crisis and to get City Hall focused back on core services. She is doing so by prioritizing the City's financial health, transparency and accountability, restoring meaningful public consultation, developing a renewed city-wide plan, achieving livable, vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods with attainable housing options, and ensuring distributed transportation strategies throughout the body of the City.

Biography:

Colleen Hardwick is a veteran business executive, academic, and community leader experienced in industries and policy sectors that are critical to the well-being of the City of Vancouver. A born and raised Vancouverite with deep roots in the City, Colleen loves Vancouver and is dedicated to helping ensure that future generations can continue to live in an affordable, inclusive Vancouver.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Liveable neighbourhoods
2. Transportation/traffic
3. Transparent government

Platform:

The most affordable home is the one already built-I will work to preserve character homes and unique, liveable neighborhoods, including local businesses and the walk up, affordable apartments above them, in areas such as Broadway, Commercial and Chinatown. Consideration for 2 rental secondary suites per house. Ending the "war" between drivers and cyclists is a priority, as is improving traffic and transportation options. I will aim to listen to citizens, and attain open, transparent government,

Biography:

Elected as VSB School Trustee in 2014-experienced with government and governance.
Executive Director Go By Bike Society (formerly Bike to Work BC)
Active on not for profit boards such as Heritage Vancouver Society, Kits Neighborhood House
Founded and organised annual Heritage Vancouver Garden Tour-over $100,000 raised to support heritage.
VSB liaison to Vancouver Heritage Commission and Civic Asset Naming Committee

Top 3 priorities:

1. Viable Affordable Housing
2. Enhance Transportation
3. Reduce Permit Wait Time

Platform:

If elected, I will immediately work with Mayor and Council to find innovative options to help increase affordable housing, enhance transportation, and reduce permit wait time. All work is to include City Senior Staff participation and public consultation to achieve maximum transparency and effectiveness. Other work is to include but not limited to, the review of all property and business taxes, security and crime reduction, garbage pick-up and parking.

Biography:

Ken has been living in Vancouver for over 40 years. A graduate of UBC, Ken worked as the Chief Engineer for the City of White Rock and Civil Engineer for the City of Vancouver for 25+ years.
Ken promoted sport and fitness, and served in the Board of Directors for many non-profit organizations. Ken's passion is to serve the community.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Rent Freeze
2. Tax mansions over $5M
3. Better transit for all

Platform:

COPE candidates will work to make Vancouver affordable for people who aren't millionaires by:
Using city powers to freeze rents for tenants and small businesses
Taxing mansions over $5M and $10M to fund ending homelessness and housing renters
Working toward free transit starting with children and low-income people
Establishing a municipal living wage for all Vancouver residents
Fighting corruption and real estate speculation
Ending the rule of developers in Vancouver

Biography:

Anne Roberts is a former COPE city councillor and school board trustee. She taught journalism at Langara College after a career as a reporter and radio producer. A long-time community activist and feminist, Anne worked to improve schools, parks, pedestrian safety and neighbourhood shopping in Kensington-Cedar Cottage, where she and her family have lived for the past 40 years.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable family homes
2. Upgrading infrastructure
3. Stopping government waste

Platform:

1. Build purpose built affordable rentals for our workforce and families to shorten commutes and stop family migration out of the city
2. Return Vancouver's housing market to people who work, live and pay taxes in Vancouver by using land covenants
3. Take average community wages and infrastructure capacity into account when approving new developments
4. Redefine housing affordability to better represent local wages
5. Consult with contractors and tenants to weed out problem developers

Biography:

I'm a 3rd generation tradesman. I was born in Vancouver but my parents, like so many families are these days, had to leave Vancouver. As a young man i choose to come back. I spent the last ten years in Vancouver's construction industry on the front lines of this housing crisis. I will not leave like my parents had to

Top 3 priorities:

1. Advocate 4 Small Business
2. Fair Business PropertyTax
3. Business Hotline at City

Platform:

My Mission Statement is "To make Vancouver the most Business Friendly City in Canada" Small Business in general employs 80% of the population, pays 5x the property tax residents pay. We need a thriving business community. If elected I propose to immediately implement a Entrepreneur Centre that will aid people who want to open a business in Vancouver. Bureaucracy will be streamlined to get new businesses up and running ASAP in order to employ people.

Biography:

Born and Raised in East Vancouver. Entrepreneur since I was 10 taking the bus from Commercial Drive to Robson Street to work in my Uncle's Restaurant. Built and opened my first restaurant at age 18.Built, Owned & operated 5 Businesses in Vancouver for 42 years. I know the frustrations people experience with bureaucracy and inefficient approval systems at City Hall.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Leadership for Solutions
2. City Rent to Own Housing
3. East Approach Route Plan

Platform:

Honestly: You should read all of my 300+ proposals to see I am worthy of your vote. Proposals are at kellyalm.ca. I will push new ideas and pioneer solutions for the problems the city is now saddled with. I am not into party politics. Just problem solving and planning for the future. A force of good and fairness in council. My leadership is what Vancouver needs. Find and select Alm first.

Biography:

Fourth time running for council, born in Vancouver, 50 years old. Double major UBC Urban Land Economics graduate. VPD Certificate of Merit recipient, ICBC roadstar level 20 drivers advocate. Technology pioneer and inventor. Finalized 300+ Vancouver safety and economic proposals in 2014. Extensive property management background, born leader and problem solver. Resume and proposal list at kellyalm.ca

Top 3 priorities:

1. social housing
2. public spaces
3. walkable neighbourhoods

Platform:

Vision Vancouver will move Vancouver forward. We will stand up for everyone and make things better. We'll create affordable housing by tripling the empty homes tax and building 88,000 homes. We'll build the Broadway Subway to UBC and improve commutes. We'll keep Vancouver the greenest city, prioritizing green jobs, not oil spills. And we'll keep Vancouver a caring and fairer city by focusing on reconciliation, poverty reduction and the opioid crisis. No matter who's mayor.

Biography:

A current Park Board Commissioner and community advocate, Catherine has been a past Vancouver Library Board chair, business owner, and lawyer, and is passionate about equality, the environment, and inclusive, accessible public spaces.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable Family Housing
2. Safe Parks for Children
3. Help Local Entrepreneur

Platform:

75% of new households rent, yet we keep building luxury condos for speculators. Developer control at City Hall must end. We must work with neighbourhoods, create a city-wide plan and build more affordable rental housing. We need parks and recreational facilities, because families cannot afford backyards. And only by addressing housing, can we help small businesses. My children were born in Vancouver and I'll do everything to raise them in a stable and thriving community.

Biography:

Raza, an R&D manager (formerly with Microsoft, EA, Amazon and Change.org), helps governments to prevent fraud and corruption using technology. The 33-year-old father of two sits on the Prince of Wales Secondary PAC, and was the Director of Government Relations with Housing Action for Local Taxpayers. Raza understands housing, and its impact on the younger generation, families, and small businesses.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing & Transportation
2. Public Spaces/Facilities
3. Civic Pride

Platform:

Enabling affordable, supportive and rental housing options for families and vulnerable citizens through partnerships, incentives and expedited processes.

Improving citizens quality of life of through investments in community centres, public spaces, child care, public transportation and walkable neighbourhoods.

Prioritizing core services to help restore civic pride in Vancouver.

Working with government partners to improve local mental health and addiction services.

Supporting arts and culture, including more support for LGBTQ events and gathering spaces.

Biography:

An elected School Board Trustee, Lisa is a strategic leader with 20 years experience in government administration and public policy. She is Past Chair of Vancouver's Kettle Society and a Board Director of FamilySmart™. Lisa is passionate about public service and a respected mental health and housing advocate. She lives in East Vancouver with her husband and two young daughters.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Secure rental housing
2. Meaningful engagement
3. Thriving small businesses

Platform:

City Hall must preserve the charm of Vancouver's small-town character while embracing change; building a stronger future for all Vancouverites through infrastructure that enables livability, accessibility, and equity. My top priority is attainable housing options to rent and buy. In partnership with a Small Business Protection Task Force, the NPA will complete a comprehensive review of our property tax model to ensure businesses are treated fairly, providing middle-income employment opportunities for our residents.

Biography:

Rebecca has spent 20 years working with Vancouver startups & NGOs. Rebecca is a passionate supporter of education and the environment and has championed global leadership development programs. Rebecca, skilled in building trust, is a community activator and volunteers with the Dr. Peter Centre. Rebecca rents in East Vancouver with her wife, Laura, and her two teenagers Holly and Jackson.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing and Liveabililty
2. Ethical Decision Making
3. Sustainability Planning

Platform:

If elected I will advocate for effective, sustainable, and ethical solutions for addressing the top issues of this election. To that end I will push for open and transparent government to create a pathway to effective dialogue and collaboration between the public, administration, elected officials, external partners and stakeholders. Finally, I will promote that transparency pathway as the means to developing the objective, systematic and formalized methods necessary to enable truly meaningful and democratic decisions.

Biography:

I have a Masters Degree in statistics from SFU and raised my family in the Commercial Drive area. I am fortunate to have carried out 25 years of continuous improvement and decision support projects across an intriguing and wide range of industries, clients, projects and organizational levels. Recently I have been supporting local governments to better manage their municipal infrastructure.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Lower Your Taxes
2. No New Bike Lanes
3. Clean Up Our City

Platform:

As your city councillor, I want to make sure the city hall will finally listen to its people! I will lower your taxes and oppose the "school tax"; improve community safety; promote Mutual Respect among all who share the road; increase city hall's transparency and efficiency; reduce congestion/pollution and revamp the bike lane policies; clean up the city; and make Vancouver, once again, the most livable city in the world!

Biography:

Having extensive experiences in operating restaurants in the city, I understand fully the needs of small business owners. I want to help local businesses to grow and create local jobs for Vancouverites. My experience working as a real estate professional will be instrumental in helping the city finding the best solution on the issue of housing affordability.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Vancouver for Families
2. Child Care & Seniors Care
3. Safe Streets &Communities

Platform:

Now more than ever, families need a strong, experienced, Independent voice at the Council table. We need to listen to neighbourhoods and work together to build complete communities where kids can play, local businesses can flourish, and families can thrive. That means more "missing middle" housing like townhouses and duplexes. It means vibrant neighbourhoods, not empty homes. It means looking after seniors while also making sure young people can build their lives in Vancouver.

Biography:

Erin Shum was elected in 2014 to the Vancouver Park Board, where she previously served as Vice Chair. Having served as Vancouver's only Independent elected official since 2016, Erin has a proven track record of working across party lines and levels of government to deliver meaningful results for Vancouverites. Erin is a small business owner, special education assistant, and mom.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable Housing
2. Public + Active Transport
3. Opioid Epidemic

Platform:

Affordable Housing:
-Incentivize and legalize Purpose Built Rentals across the city
-Make Social/Supportive Housing an immediate priority at City Hall

Transportation:
-Expand public transportation offerings, including the Broadway Skytrain to UBC
-Continue investment into world-class active transportation and bike lane network

Opioid Epidemic:
-Support harm reduction strategies and allocate necessary resources to solving the overdose crisis

Electoral Reform:
-Introduce Proportional Representation and Ranked Ballots at the municipal level
-Extend municipal voting rights to Permanent Residents

Biography:

My name is Graham Cook and I'm running as an Independent. I am a Project Manager at a local tech company, a volunteer board member with the Huntington Society of Canada, and hold a BBA in Finance from SFU. As a young person and renter, I'm running to make it easier to live an affordable and enjoyable life in Vancouver.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Build affordable Housing
2. Address the opioid crisis
3. Cap permit times

Platform:

We plan to legalize and build more affordable housing; target speculators, not homeowners; clean up the development and permitting process; and build thriving, inclusive neighbourhoods for families. We will implement a city wide plan that will prezone for the next 50 years of growth, while creating sufficient housing abundance to create structural affordability in the Vancouver housing market. We will also implement a 3 year rental market correction plan.

Biography:

Jaspreet has a BSc in Biology and Pharmacy. He has worked as a pharmacist for 6 years and recently opened his own pharmacy. He was on the Canadian Junior National team for Field Hockey. He volunteers with GNFK, which is an organization that provides meals to the homeless. He is passionate about preventing antibiotic resistance and addressing the opioid crisis.

Top 3 priorities:

1. No new bike lanes
2. Lower PropertyTaxes
3. Keep the Viaducts

Platform:

Vision has changed Vancouver, a once inviting, fun and family orientated city, into a limiting, unfriendly, non-family orientated, congested city. Vision has pushed through projects they deem mandatory with little public input. This agenda has hurt businesses and families. While the majority of people in Vancouver drive motor vehicles over bicycles, Vision's focus on bikes has punished motor vehicle commuters with longer driving times. I will help refocus the City back to the people.

Biography:

I was born and raised in Burnaby. After high school graduation, I attended UBC and received a Bachelor in Education followed by a Master's in Education specializing in School Administration and Adult Education. I worked in the school system for 15 years as a Business Education Teacher and Counsellor. Recently, I has focused on opening and operating many successfully businesses

Top 3 priorities:

1. Clean and safe streets
2. Extended night transit
3. Fair property taxes

Platform:

Transit – Extend transit hours and implement ride sharing.

Housing – Accessible housing and shelter. Strengthening measures to deter speculation while expediting processes associated to building middle class homes.

Clean, Safe Streets – Adequate support to the homeless and business owners in areas of need. Incentives for landlords to keep buildings and sidewalks clean.

Arts, Entertainment, Cultural Heritage – More funding for the arts and to keep cultural heritage of buildings and neighborhoods.

Biography:

Born and raised in Vancouver, Herschel is an entrepreneur, successful businessman and actively involved in our community. Herschel has invested and operated numerous successful businesses including Whistler's celebrated Southside Deli. Herschel is involved in the community coaching kids in both soccer and football. He believes that we need a champion to bring more transparency and accountability to city hall.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Environmental Development
2. Sustainable Housing
3. Cannabis/Hemp Commodity

Platform:

I stand for greener economic measures, the promotion of green commodities, enrichment of greener communities, fiscally responsible government, and environment conservation. The policies I stand for have been developed democratically, by people from all walks of Canadian life - from every province, territory, and traditional land. I have been described as a guardian, protector, sentinel and peacekeeper. These leadership qualities prompted my prior MLA campaign and now propel me to run for City Of Vancouver.

Biography:

As a proud Canadian, Ashley calls Vancouver home. Her previous work experience in public markets, commodities and raising capital, as well as her entrepreneurial aspirations - have created a force to reckon with. A marketing maven, with international experience and perspective, Ashley is determined to help Vancouver reach its goal of being the greenest city in the world by 2020.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Social/Affordable Housing
2. Accountability/Integrity
3. Public Safety

Platform:

When I launched my campaign in January of this year I ran on a platform focused on balancing economic prosperity and social responsibility. As a candidate with today's NPA, I am proud to be running with a team dedicated to being fiscally responsible and socially progressive. Additionally, having been involved in the creation of several affordable housing developments (generating 250 new units within the region), I have a proven track-record dealing with this crucial issue.

Biography:

Justin P. Goodrich is a public affairs executive who works predominately with non-profit and First Nations organizations. His areas of expertise include: strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and governance. Justin is also Vice-Chair of the UFV Board of Governors and holds a Master of Laws in diplomacy and international law. Justin is a renter in the West-End with his partner, Dylan.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable housing
2. Eliminate drug addiction
3. Election reforms

Platform:

Dr. El-Rayes is campaigning for an affordable, livable, drug-addiction free city.
This requires integrating:
•Affordable rental & housing ownership for working people,
•Convenient low-cost transportation,
•Eliminate drug addictions. If elected, I will donate 50% of my salary to a drug-addiction prevention program,
•Lowering cost of municipal and permit taxes for federal taxpayers only,
•Reforming election law to prevent corruption of elected politicians and to encourage the best among us to run for political office.

Biography:

Dr. El-Rayes is
•Experienced in municipal engineering issues, business management, mental health and addictions.
•Got his doctorate degree in USA & moved to Vancouver in 1990.
•Dedicated past 13 years to serve mental illness and addiction patients, through his charity (H.R. Mental Wellness Centre)
•Pioneered pollution prevention and sustainability in Canada and USA
•Taught Environmental engineering in USA & Canada.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Public consultation
2. Accountability
3. Diversity & Inclusiveness

Platform:

Our City is at a pivotal point in its history and is in great need of renewal.

As an immigrant, legal professional, and a proud Vancouverite, I want to serve, and bring a new voice – your voice – to City Council.

I want to bring about change that will benefit all Vancouverites, that will make Vancouver a better place for all.

Biography:

As a Queen's Diamond Jubilee awardee, Pinoy Fiesta organizer for nearly a decade, community volunteer, and a paralegal by profession, Jojo Quimpo will bring a unique mix of immigrant life experience and a caring heart to Vancouver City Council.

Top 3 priorities:

1. 2way communication bridge
2. Accessible city finance
3. Fair use of tax dollars

Platform:

James believes an open, transparent two-way communication bridge needs to be built between the communities and city hall. This includes the need for the city's finances to be accessible for public reviews and discussions to ensure that there is more accountability and a fair use of resources. The taxpayer's contributions should not be wasted on projects that only benefit a minority without discussion, including but not limited to additional bike lanes

Biography:

James has lived in Vancouver for 35 years. Graduating from UBC Economics, James has extensive retail and wholesale business experience. He's a member of Lions International for over 20 years, a committee member at BC Children's Hospital Foundation for 5 years and a Marine Search and Rescue volunteer crew for 4 years. He's committed and dedicated to many community services.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable housing
2. Greenest city, green jobs
3. Broadway Subway to UBC

Platform:

Vision Vancouver will move Vancouver forward. We will stand up for everyone and make things better. We'll create affordable housing by tripling the empty homes tax and building 88,000 homes. We'll build the Broadway Subway to UBC and improve commutes. We'll keep Vancouver the greenest city, prioritizing green jobs, not oil spills. And we'll keep Vancouver a caring and fairer city by focusing on reconciliation, poverty reduction and the opioid crisis. No matter who's mayor.

Biography:

Tanya is a leader in active transportation, car sharing, sustainability, and community planning — she's also a proud downtown resident and advocate for safer streets, better transit, and building our green economy.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Supporting Small Business
2. Housing For Middle Class
3. Reduce Build Permit Time

Platform:

Please see our detailed platform at www.yesvancouver.ca

Biography:

I am a small business owner with three Cobs Bread franchises in the City of Vancouver. I live in the West End with my partner and two children.

Having owned businesses for the past 11 years, I am concerned about our ability to retain and sustain small businesses when the city continues to download costs and expectations on them.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordability for all
2. Revive the Drive
3. Build 3 Public Markets

Platform:

We are the team which will provide transparency in managing the municipal taxpayer dollar to enable large scale infrastructure projects. Build permanent Public Food Markets, East Van & Marpole Market.
Concept "Mega-Haus-Projekt" to house those in need
Build a 25,000 capacity Amphitheatre for live Music. Build "Piazza Vancouver" to meet with friends.
Reduce the 'Franchise Factor' to help small business. Revive Commercial Drive. Enable individuals and families to grow and prospers in this City.

Biography:

John has worked relentlessly for the past 22 years in the Lower Mainland in the capacity of Project Estimator and Project Manager. Building and upgrading 6 Public Schools, the Commercial Drive Skytrain Station, the Kay Meek Center for Performing Arts and multi-residential low-income housing. John is a proud resident of EastVan for over 22 years, loves Music and the Arts.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Streamline permit process
2. Core review of tax system
3. City as Arts&Cultural Hub

Platform:

Phyllis believes strongly in creating vibrant arts, music and cultural communities. We now have an opportunity to showcase the amazing talent that exists in our city. The arts have not been respected or promoted over the past decade, and she wants to be the guiding force to make this change a reality. Having fundraised and performed for musical groups all over Vancouver, Phyllis hopes to leverage her Business&Music expertise to help artists thrive in Vancouver.

Biography:

Born & raised in Vancouver, Phyllis has won many awards, including a York University Graduate Scholarship. She works as Listserv Manager of the Society for Ethnomusicology, is an Advisor of the Golden Key International Honour Society's UBC Chapter, teaches Piano & Music Theory and conducts research for UBC's Access & Diversity Department. She is fluent in English, Cantonese & Mandarin.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Support a liveable city
2. Improve affordability
3. Advocate for seniors

Platform:

I have a track record in listening to communities and getting things done. Our NPA platform is will tackle housing affordability, alleviate congestion and improve livability. For housing that includes fast-tracking housing for low-income Vancouverites and vulnerable seniors, renewing outstanding co-op leases and purpose built rental on City lands. As our city densifies, quality amenities are critical, so I will advocate for funding for renewal of aging infrastructure including community centres, rinks, libraries, and firehalls.

Biography:

Sarah was elected to Park Board in 2014 and served as Chair. As a Commissioner, she has been a strong advocate for the protection and expansion of parks, green space, recreational facilities and amenities to support livability in Vancouver. Sarah has worked with small business, BIA's, arts & culture and the tourism sector, and is a strong advocate for seniors.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing Supply
2. Fiscal Responsibility
3. Transportation

Platform:

I'm running to restore government that works for all Vancouver residents by improving community consultation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. I'm focused on tackling the housing crisis to ensure current and future generations are able to live, work, and play in our city. We need to create vibrant, unique communities and reduce regulatory barriers to ensure that small businesses can thrive, and implement a comprehensive, long term plan for investment in Vancouver's transportation system.

Biography:

An engineer and lifelong Vancouverite, David co-founded Absolute Energy Inc., BC's largest natural gas brokerage firm and served as Chair of a community association where he advocated for greater transparency and engagement with citizens. He is committed to making Vancouver a fiscal, social, and innovation leader where working families and seniors can live and small businesses can thrive.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Fair housing initiatives
2. Arts & Culture investment
3. Full budget review

Platform:

I'm guided by common sense, not ideology. I fight for what's right with my results-oriented approach, which makes me different from everyone else.
If elected, I will:

-Champion arts &culture initiatives and institutions across Vancouver to make them accessible to everyone, like Elizabeth Ball.

-Review the City's budget line-by-line to cut wasteful spending and streamline service delivery.
-Support fair housing initiatives.

-Keep regulations and bylaws fair for hard-working people and small businesses.

Biography:

For 20 years I've owned and operated the Dunbar Theatre, one of Vancouver's last independent movie theaters. I've received the: Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year; a nomination by the City of Vancouver for Environmental Innovator; and the title "Champion of the Arts" by the Jewish Independent. I'm President of the Hillcrest Community Centre, and Motion Picture Association Director.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Better Land Use & Housing
2. Embrace diversity
3. Help the Marginalized

Platform:

I am committed to being a strong independent voice in city council that looks past party politics and brings people together around solutions. In Vancouver we need leaders that view diversity as a strength that can create real change and empower our communities, especially marginalized ones. Leadership that embraces diversity means listening with humility to people from all walks of life and working to build a consensus.

Biography:

I was raised in the Musqueam community and am proud to call Vancouver home. I hope to become the first elected indigenous candidate from the local First Nations.
I was an elected councillor for Musqueam, worked as special advisor to the premier, was a member of the Vancouver Police Board, and received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for community leadership.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable Housing/Rental
2. Taxes (home & business)
3. Transportation

Platform:

VANCOUVER 1st a big tent libertarian minded party believing in rule of law, putting residents and taxpayers of Vancouver 1st!

We are home to the free enterprise and entrepreneurs movement who believe in lower taxes, and small government.

Our goal is to create an environment of certainty where people, neighborhoods, and all communities can thrive, grow and prosper.

Vancouver 1st, is led by Fred Harding, who believes in consultation, transparency and most importantly accountability.

Biography:

A strong voice of change not an echo of political apathy

Will work tirelessly so that children, families and seniors are 1st again.

Will make sure businesses/builders, small and large are not held ransom to endless permit wait times…

Vancouver 1st will bring back certainty stability so a clear plan for the future can be built for-all.

People Prosperity Principles

Top 3 priorities:

1. Rent Freeze
2. Tax mansions over $5M
3. Build social housing

Platform:

COPE candidates will work to make Vancouver affordable for people who aren't millionaires by:
Using city powers to freeze rents for tenants and small businesses
Taxing mansions over $5M to fund ending homelessness and housing renters
Working toward free transit starting with children and low-income people
Establishing a municipal living wage for all Vancouver residents
Fighting corruption and real estate speculation
Ending the rule of developers in Vancouver

Biography:

Received Order of Canada for "long-standing devotion to social justice" Recent organizer with the Carnegie Community Action Project and Raise the Rates BC Author of Poor-Bashing: The Politics of Exclusion Former president of the National Anti-Poverty Organization Former member of the City Planning Commission and local area planning committees Pledges to accept only the average worker's wage

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing, Homelessness
2. OD crisis, Opioid Poison
3. Public Safety

Platform:

=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=================================================
=========================================Housing, Set minimum standard. Streamline application process for new affordable options. Rent freeze. Issue directive-all builds require percentage of social housing. Tax penalty/empty dwellings. OD Crisis, bold moves like increasing opiate assisted treatment a well as traditional treatment, Safe drug supply to users, Advocate for decriminalization. As many different options as possible. Public Safety, Hire people to clean alleyways and clutter in their neighborhoods. Discuss how we use Police/Emergency services. Make transit accessible for impoverished.

Biography:

53 year old male that began being an activist after mva threw me into poverty. I began speaking for those unable to find voice. Went through process of returning from poverty. Now employed by Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of B.C. fighting stigma within health services. Also by Brave Coop as an outreach specialist. Started an Anti-Stigma Sticker campaign promoting equality

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable housing
2. Enhance transportation
3. Reduce permit wait time

Platform:

VANCOUVER 1st a big tent libertarian minded party believing in rule of law, putting residents and taxpayers of Vancouver first. We are home to the free enterprise and entrepreneurs' movement who believe in lower taxes, and small government.
Our goal is to create an environment of certainty where people, neighborhoods, and all communities can thrive, grow and prosper.
Vancouver 1st, is led by Fred Harding, who believes in consultation, transparency and most importantly accountability.

Biography:

From working on the Downtown Eastside to building a Provincial Centre, Elishia dives in hard with an unwavering devotion to the lives of those within the community. She works in the art industry of Vancouver and coaches girls soccer. With honest governance, Elishia will represent a passionate voice for those searching for true change and the innovation of our city.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Homelessness
2. Affordable living
3. Transportation

Platform:

As an independent I would encourage new ideas and alternatives for community improvement. To look at our environment and how we can make it an increasingly better place for our families and future generations. I want to break through the debates and self-serving solutions that don't work in politics and avoid having a lack of direction and principals. We need public policies that provide us with better choices in life.

Biography:

I am a scientist and published author with over 20 years experience helping people with addiction and mental health problems. Have volunteered work with youth organizations and presently work with homeless men.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Diverse, affordable homes
2. Equity and social safety
3. Holistic child care space

Platform:

If elected, I plan to work as a team to drastically increase access and supply of diverse housing options, introduce child care spaces in public libraries, and address intersectional equity and social safety. I will also promote the health of the Earth through accessible zero-waste strategies and sustainable transportation. To find out more about my policies and positions visit taqforcouncil.ca

Biography:

I hope to be the first South Asian women elected to city council. I'm a PhD candidate at UBC's Social Justice Institute, public educator, and women's health advocate running as in Independent. I have been working in Canadian health research for the last 7 years. To find out more about my work visit taqbhandal.com

Top 3 priorities:

1. GlobalViewAdoptedPolicies
2. MarketMechanismAccordance
3. Reduce Bias Manipulation

Platform:

How do we evacuate people in planned to be denser downtown after big earthquake hit
while all bridges are closed for safety inspection
and firetrucks are running through sole exit on east side.

Place residents' high buildings at noisy intersections and air-polluted big streets
instead of clean quiet interior is unhealthy and causing traffic congestion.

National income must balance expenditure.
Is it really worthwhile to block unique precious Vancouver mountain view which benefits tourism/national revenue?

Biography:

I'm Space Physics PhD candidate.

Before finished thesis, immigrated to Vancouver westside from Taiwan twenty years ago.

Tutored university math, physics, chemistry related courses,

Travelled to seventeen countries.

Took Economics and Finance courses, so realize how Quantitative Easing from US and China boost inflation around the world.

Comprehend big countries's strategies and status quo is significant when drafting housing policies.

Top 3 priorities:

1. no weekend garbage p/u
2. Protection of renters
3. efficient use of revenue

Platform:

-no garbage trucks in residential areas after 4 on weekdays nor on weekends.
-4.5% rent increase is too high for the average worker. Need minimum wage at the poverty level at least.

-City government must live with in tax rates and not keep raising taxes. Tax limits need to be imposed.

Biography:

Moved to the West end of Vancouver in 1989. Volunteered in badminton club, adopt a granny, volleyball group, and Scouts. Worked 23 years as Federal Government Officer and 10 years in Hospitality industry as a manager. Taught at BCIT and Langara. Graduate Ryerson University in Hospitality and Secondary School Honour Graduation Diploma. Speak English, French and German.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing, Affordability
2. Business, Growth, Permits
3. Safety, Addiction, Youth

Platform:

Improving the housing issue for young professionals, working families, seniors and the marginalized. This includes dramatically increasing rental units that is affordable for all levels of income. We need to grow our economic development by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, including reducing tax and encouragement of investment. By expanding afterschool and youth at risk programs, drug rehabilitation care and support for our emergency responders we can put a significant dent into the safety issues in Vancouver.

Biography:

Entrepreneur, Soccer Mum and Advocate for Youth at Risk: Michelle's corporate career spans 20 years in the high-tech sector. She also worked in education and non-profit where at Science World, she created the award winning "Opening the Door".

She was also past Public Appointed Board Member for the College of Registered Nurses, BC and the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses.

Top 3 priorities:

1. give control back to you
2. let your voice be heard
3. clean this city up

Platform:

Hi, I am running as an Independent to give control back to the people that foot the bills in this city by paying steep property taxes. You have been ignored and treated like an ATM by the previous government. This is wrong. For too long you have been ignored and lied to, this must end. It is OUR CITY! I may not be able to change anything but I may be able to change everything

Biography:

Born and raised in Vancouver, lifelong resident, struggling homeowner. I have worked in many differing jobs in this city and in these jobs I have been up every street, down every alley and all points in between. I love the LIVE MUSIC scene, I love what Vancouver once was. I live my life with DIGNITY, HONOR & RESPECT. PLEASE VOTE

Top 3 priorities:

1. HOUSING & AFFORDABILITY
2. POVERTY & ADDICTION
3. ARTS/CULTURE/PUBLIC SPACE

Platform:

Protect current coop housing, advocate for new coops and create more diverse sustainable housing projects. Defend renters' rights and work for more affordable housing.

Create more public spaces. Transform our alleys. Clean up these spaces so they are more friendly and safer for people while they are occupied.

Increase support for frontline workers. Increase access to a wide range of treatment for those seeking it. Create opportunity for employment and social development programs.

Biography:

Sarah Blyth is the founder and executive director of the Overdose Prevention Society in Vancouver, BC. She has championed for solutions to the opioid crisis and has continued to be a strong leader in the community on this issue.

As the mother of a young son, Sarah makes good use of Vancouver's parks and community gardens.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing Affordability
2. Transportation Network
3. Supporting Arts & Culture

Platform:

Rob McDowell's background in international diplomacy and his current role as an adjudicator make him the perfect candidate to work effectively as a City Councillor, bridging party divides and getting things done properly and effectively as a result. Rob's understanding of Vancouver's political scene, its cultural makeup, his work with the LGBTQ community and his multiple language skills, including Mandarin and Vietnamese, will enable him to represent all neighbourhoods, all groups and ALL citizens.

Biography:

Rob has served as a diplomat in Asia, and currently works as a mediator/adjudicator. He has managed health projects in Vietnam, and is now working on another in Ethiopia. As well as serving on arts boards including the Dance Centre and Comedy Festival, Rob has twice been appointed to Vancouver's LGBTQ Advisory Committee. He lives in Yaletown with his partner.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable housing
2. Protection for renters
3. Better Transit

Platform:

Vision Vancouver will move Vancouver forward. We will stand up for everyone and make things better. We'll create affordable housing by tripling the empty homes tax and building 88,000 homes. We'll build the Broadway Subway to UBC and improve commutes. We'll keep Vancouver the greenest city, prioritizing green jobs, not oil spills. And we'll keep Vancouver a caring and fairer city by focusing on reconciliation, poverty reduction and the opioid crisis. No matter who's mayor.

Biography:

A social justice advocate, Diego is active in a variety of organizations including Fresh Voices, which aims to make BC and Canada a better place for immigrant and refugee youth; most recently he was Programs Coordinator for Kiwassa Neighbourhood House.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Transparent & Accountable
2. More Rental Housing
3. Lower Fees & Costs

Platform:

Glen aims to make our City more affordable for everyone by dramatically improving the finances of Vancouver with sustainable and accountable financial practices. He will spearhead a mission to improve Vancouver's asset management operations to generate more money internally, reduce fees charged to residents, while allowing the City to improve its services to the public. Glen will restore integrity and accountability to our City by employing a Common-Sense approach that is 100% for the People.

Biography:

Glen Chernen was born and raised in Vancouver where he lives with his amazing Wife and children. Glen has spent the last 19 years in finance, managing a successfully growing investment portfolio where he is responsible for the examination of financial statements and the selection and disposal of securities such as equities, derivatives, debt instruments and mortgage investments.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing & Debt Crisis
2. Opioid Crisis
3. Peer-to-peer ride sharing

Platform:

The first priority is an education on personal finances & debt reduction. Creating community "think tanks" to tackle what city spending will help EVERYONE, not just the rich, poor, or middle-class.

Scientific research details how Cannabinoids can help those addicted to opioids into recovery-this combined with free drug-testing, more treatment beds & social development is a start.

Working with the PTB & Minister of Transportation, bringing transparency & advocating for Peer-to-peer ridesharing before 2019.

Biography:

Ramdeen moved to Vancouver in 2008 to study Theatre & acting at Langara College. She's spent the past 8 years working in the film & TV industry, which has nurtured her skills in teamwork & community building. As an actor, Ramdeen's main job is LISTENING. Ramdeen is prepared to listen to all sides and find COMMON GROUND with actionable SOLUTIONS.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Rent Freeze
2. Tax mansions over $5M
3. Better transit for all

Platform:

COPE candidates will work to make Vancouver affordable for people who aren't millionaires by:
Using city powers to freeze rents for tenants and small businesses
Taxing mansions over $5M and $10M to fund ending homelessness and housing renters
Working toward free transit starting with children and low-income people
Establishing a municipal living wage for all Vancouver residents
Fighting corruption and real estate speculation
Ending the rule of developers in Vancouver

Biography:

Derrick O’Keefe is an author, editor, and long-time community organizer. He is a founding member of the Vancouver Tenants Union and has been a prominent advocate of peace and social justice in Vancouver for the past two decades. Derrick is a renter who lives in Fairview with his wife Andrea and their two young children.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable Housing
2. Public Safety
3. Lower Your Taxes

Platform:

Coalition Vancouver team will focus on strengthening Community involvement in Community Centres by valuing volunteerism. Implement a Clean Parks Plan and will double cleaning crews to address needles and garbage. Increase accessibility by decreasing prices. Restore free parking and lower facility fees. Restore financial accountability to the Parks Board. Take a Common-Sense approach that is 100% for the People. We will listen to people. Increase city's transparency and efficiency.

Biography:

In 2004, I immigrated to Vancouver, graduated with computer major, worked as IT engineer, salesperson, later opened my computer company.

With $2000, I worked as truck driver, cleaner, mover, computer engineer, etc.

I tried many small businesses including moving, cleaning, IT, shipping, courier, trading, income tax, furniture, Realtor.

I concern homelessness problem, housing market, affordable housing crisis, public safety.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing Affordability
2. Homelessness & Poverty
3. Small Business & Transit

Platform:

My motto is that I would like to see Vancouver clean, green, with an accessible scene. Increase waste management, move towards renewable energy, build affordable housing, look after small businesses, increase transit during peak hours, build more bikes lanes, as well as proper connections, ensure that more housing co-ops & purpose-built rentals can be built, work with faith-based groups to make each church or synagogue a shelter downtown. Offer short-term & long-term solutions to housing.

Biography:

After graduating, I became an Special Needs Early Childhood Educator. I also studied web design, desktop publishing, public relations, as well as a few courses in event planning, journalism, & public speaking. I moved to Vancouver during Expo '86 and got to know the city as friendly, vibrant, multicultural and fun. My goal as Councillor is a return to this.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Empty homes tax
2. Sustainable economy
3. Improved transit

Platform:

Vision Vancouver will move Vancouver forward. We will stand up for everyone and make things better. We'll create affordable housing by tripling the empty homes tax and building 88,000 homes. We'll build the Broadway Subway to UBC and improve commutes. We'll keep Vancouver the greenest city, prioritizing green jobs, not oil spills. And we'll keep Vancouver a caring and fairer city by focusing on reconciliation, poverty reduction and the opioid crisis. No matter who's mayor.

Biography:

A former athlete, talk show host, community leader, and assistant to Vancouver Member of Parliament, Wei has the skills and track record to shape the future and improve the lives of Vancouverites.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable local housing
2. Lower taxes
3. Safer clean parks & roads

Platform:

I'm a no nonsense guy. Not interested in partisan ideology nor wasteful vanity projects. Council is here to work for you. Greens advocate a collaborative governance, to deliver a functional and respectful leadership, based on facts guided by a city-wide engaged plan. Fiscally responsible decisions based on public interest first. Together, we are committed to a job done right and will push for real transparency and accountability.

Biography:

Proud 5th generation Vancouverite. I'm an author, architect, and urban ecologist. I've decades of experience on affordable housing, working in cities around the world. Currently continuing meaningful work with First Nations— mentoring youth in the design and construction of their homes. Acquired a good working knowledge of civic systems and governance in early career at City's Engineering and Planning departments.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Housing Affordability
2. Technological Innovation
3. The Mental Health Crisis

Platform:

I want to help Vancouverites feel less alone and more appreciated. Seniors and young people; families, entrepreneurs, and professionals—I want to tie them together for a closer-knit, more nurturing Vancouver. I want to change zoning and digitize the permitting process to get affordable homes built, and keep our communities alive. I want more city-wide events. And I want every Vancouverite to know that this is their home—because we're better together.

Biography:

Khan's family came to Vancouver in 1912—they taught him that this community matters. So in winter 2016, Khan opened his family mosque to hundreds in need, and contacted a Sikh Gurudwara to supply meals. He's organized rallies and charities. He's collaborated with government on outreach. And he started a podcast to discuss mental health, addiction and racism with Vancouverites.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Solutions for housing
2. Affordable, vibrant city
3. Protect arts spaces

Platform:

Brandon is committed to improving transit and accessible transportation. Brandon and OneCity will encourage active transportation by making the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and transit-users a priority. He will act to protect the cultural organizations and creative hubs that connect us to each other and our city. All his work at City Council will prioritize reconciliation as well as recognize and honour Indigenous peoples and their territories, languages and histories. Brandon is running with OneCity.

Biography:

Brandon Yan is a community activist and advocate for LGBTQ2+ youth. Brandon has lived and worked in the Vancouver area all of his life and currently is a renter and pet owner in Kitsilano. Brandon has completed a Masters in Urban Studies at SFU in public engagement and civic education and is currently the Education Director for Out On Screen.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Locally affordable homes
2. Cleaner, greener city
3. Fair, honest government

Platform:

I will listen to people, work collaboratively with others, and ground decisions in good evidence. I'll focus on bolder actions for housing affordability, genuine public engagement and tackling congestion, especially through a new city-wide plan. My goal is a cleaner, greener city that's retains it's social vibrancy and liveability. I'm endorsed by the Green Party which is committed to sustainability, environmental protection, a more respectful style of politics and putting public interest first.

Biography:

A two-term City Councillor, I have an MA in Urban Geography (UBC), ARCT in piano, taught at Langara, helped save B.C. wilderness, co-founded the B.C. and Vancouver Green Parties, was B.C. Greens' Leader and federal Greens' Deputy Leader and led B.C.'s Citizen's Initiative for Mixed Member Proportional Representation. Born in Vancouver, I live with my husband in the West End.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Increase housing supply
2. Fix permitting department
3. Fair property tax

Platform:

I will be a voice for citizens. I support building homes for people who live, work, and raise families here with middle class housing. I will Increase density while working with neighborhoods, and build rental homes to get our vacancy above 3%. Work with businesses, encourage economic growth, fair tax on property, work with builders to create units for small business. I will fix the permit dept., implement smart tech. and cut red tape. yesvancouver.ca/letsfixhousing-action-plan/

Biography:

I am a life long Vancouverite. I started my business in high school and now have stores on Granville Isl. and Main St. I am the Vice President of a health care startup that's helping families. I work with companies launching their ideas and educate youth on entrepreneurship to give them a head start on changing the world.

Top 3 priorities:

1. COMPLETE COMMUNITIES
2. GOOD HOMES FOR ALL
3. A RESILIENT ECONOMY

Platform:

Vancouver can be healthy, affordable, inclusive and resilient.

Let's co-create evidence-based strategies that make Vancouver a better place to live, play and do business. I am a strong supporter of rich cultural spaces, accessibility, social inclusion, reconciliation, multi-mode transportation, climate change mitigation, and efficient local governance. I want to preserve and create new places and experiences that honor our past, foster our creativity, strengthen our identity and bring people together as a GREEN City Councillor.

Biography:

I continue to gain extensive leadership experience as a public servant and business leader with the Vancouver Park Board(Past Chair), Art House Society(Saved the RIO), eight ½ restaurant lounge, Office of the Premier, Mount Pleasant BIA(President), Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee, LGBT2+/TGV2S, Food Policy Council, Implementation Committee and other community groups to better serve this city.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Affordable Housing
2. Supporting Chinatown
3. Encouraging Tourism

Platform:

If elected as your YES Vancouver City Councillor, I will be a strong voice for representing Chinatown and the community at City Hall. I believe in ensuring Chinatown's continued success into the future by encouraging investment and building affordable housing for the residents who have lived there and call it home. We need to support the tourism industry in our city and encourage its growth to bring prosperity to our community.

Biography:

I'm a small business owner and community leader in Chinatown where I've run my Happy Time Travel since 1980. I try to better my community by being involved with charities in the community like the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society, Chinatown Merchant Tenants Association, Vancouver Guangzhou Friendship Society, BC & Guangdong Business Council, Chin Wing Chun Tong Society of Canada.

Top 3 priorities:

1. End housing speculation
2. Crackdown on Airbnb
3. Protect local workers

Platform:

1) End global speculation which is pricing locals out of Vancouver
2) Crackdown on Airbnb
3) Establish a VPD crime squad to take dirty money out of our housing market.
4) Provide affordable housing through rental only zoning, local only presales and community owned housing
5) Prioritize local workers over temporary foreign workers
6) Promote local businesses, protect them from rising costs and set up an incubator
7) End privatization of city services

Biography:

A technology entrepreneur who began fighting for right to safe housing when he had to protect his community from being evicted by a Vancouver-based developer following the Calgary floods of 2013. Later attracted national attention standing up for workers rights using my programming skills to uncover how Temporary Foreign Worker Program was exploiting both Canadian and migrant workers.

Top 3 priorities:

1. Embrace creativity
2. focus on reconciliation
3. Poverty reduction

Platform:

Vision Vancouver will move Vancouver forward. We will stand up for everyone and make things better. We'll create affordable housing by tripling the empty homes tax and building 88,000 homes. We'll build the Broadway Subway to UBC and improve commutes. We'll keep Vancouver the greenest city, prioritizing green jobs, not oil spills. And we'll keep Vancouver a caring and fairer city by focusing on reconciliation, poverty reduction and the opioid crisis. No matter who's mayor.

Biography:

A four-term Vancouver City Councillor, Heather focuses on Vancouver's livability – bringing her passions for arts and culture, animated public spaces, active transportation and heritage to City Hall. A biologist, she has represented Vancouver regionally and nationally to work for better environmental protection, infrastructure, transit and women's participation in politics.