Even in a democratic society, there are limits to freedom of speech. We have laws that prohibit libel and slander for good reason. Libel is when you write an untruth — something demonstrably false — about someone else. If you say Danni is dishonest, when they’re not, that’s libellous. Slander is the same thing, but…
Category: homelessness
Real solutions exist to homeless encampments: Look to the ’70s, and Portland’s Right to Dream Too
Nobody won at Tuesday night’s Vancouver Park Board meeting addressing the city’s latest and biggest homeless encampment in Strathcona Park. After two onerous nights of debate — in which nearly 100 speakers outlined their sympathy for the homeless park dwellers; for the board itself, having to deal with such a thorny issue; and for Strathcona…
Broadway corridor: The lesser of two evils
As you may be aware, TransLink will soon be building the first phase of an underground SkyTrain line along the Broadway corridor from the Commercial-Broadway station to Arbutus. If Vancouver city council has its way, by 2030 the new line will extend all the way to UBC at a cost estimated as high as $3.8…
COVID-19: The neighbourhood catastrophe waiting to happen
For weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has been totally transforming our lives and devastating economies worldwide, right down to our own local neighbourhoods. COVID-19 is a neighbourhood catastrophe waiting to happen in the DTES. Its first confirmed case appeared yesterday. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, for most of the residents there to keep a safe…
Two thumbs up for two good reasons
Today I’m very happy for two good reasons. First, I’m so pleased to let you know that my online petition urging Mayor Kennedy Stewart to keep his campaign promise to raise the empty home tax to 3% already has more than 700 signatures! I’m also happy that the Georgia Straight, still one of the best…
Please sign my petition on the empty home tax!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & SIGN MY PETITION In the 2018 Vancouver municipal election, Mayor Kennedy Stewart promised to raise the empty home tax from 1% to 3%. Now, just one year into his mandate, he’s already reneging on his campaign promise. You can read more details in my October 31 blog. Empty home taxes…
Mayor Stewart: Stick to your 3% empty homes tax!
UPDATE: I’ve created a petition to help keep up the momentum. Please sign and share it! Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart was on CBC radio’s Early Edition with Stephen Quinn Tuesday morning. While he has moved forward on several of his campaign promises, including creating a renters advocacy office and pushing for more medium- and high-density…