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Participation at All-Candidates meetings held by Community Centres

VANCOUVER – In preparation for the Oct.19 B.C. provincial election, community centres from across Vancouver hosted a series of all-candidates meetings. Candidates from all the major parties were asked to attend the eight meetings to explain their policies on issues ranging from housing affordability, health care, the economy, the environment and Vancouver Mayor Ken’s Sim’s proposal to dissolve the elected Park Board. Members of the public attending the meetings could ask questions about issues of concern to them.

The Association Presidents Group (AGP), which represents 19 Community Centre Associations across Vancouver, would like to thank the candidates who took the time to attend the meetings and answer questions.

The APG is disappointed with the lack of participation by candidates from the Conservative Party of BC. Of the 12 Conservative candidates invited only three attended.

The AGP believes by not attending the meetings, the Conservative candidates failed to give voters a clear understanding of their party’s platform, views and opinions.

During the meetings, candidates were asked about Mayor Sim’s proposal to abolish the Park Board, which cannot proceed without the provincial government making amendments to the Vancouver City Charter.

The APG believes the mayor’s attempt to abolish the elected Vancouver Park Board is undemocratic.  Eight City Councilors do not have a mandate to eliminate the Park Board elected by thousands of Vancouver voters in October 2022.  We believe the only way the Park Board could legitimately be dissolved is if Vancouver citizens vote for this change in a civic election.

In March, Premier David Eby said his government is “committed” to dissolving the Park Board but not until after the fall election. Asked again about the issue Saturday night at an all-candidates meeting, Eby said he didn’t think dissolving the Park Board would be a priority for a new NDP government before the next municipal election in October 2026.

Candidates from the Green Party and the three Conservatives who did attend meetings voiced support for retaining the elected Park Board.