One voting opportunity has just finished — our municipal election — and another is underway — the referendum on our provincial electoral system. Elections BC mailed voting packages to everyone on the voters list just a few days ago. The mail-in ballot asks us to choose between 2 different electoral systems: the current first-past-the-post (FPTP)…
The COPE election victory in context
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — COPE is back! Last Saturday was election day and for the first time since 2011, COPE had candidates elected not just to Vancouver’s city council, where Jean Swanson came in fourth, but also to the city’s school board, with Barb Parrott, and park board, with…
Vote October 20 — don’t let others decide for you!
This coming Saturday, Oct. 20 is municipal election day. I’ve already voted at the advance poll so that I’m free to volunteer for the candidates I’m supporting on election day. Who am I supporting? For me, it was a very easy decision. I voted the entire COPE and GREEN slates. I abstained on the mayoral…
Support “shop local” when you “vote local”
With “for lease” signs popping up everywhere in Vancouver’s commercial districts, it’s become crystal clear just how difficult the situation is for our city’s small businesses. Online retail is part of the reason so many small businesses are closing shop. Many of us now find the convenience of shopping with our keyboards much preferable to…
Make elections fairer — support pro rep!
Do you ever feel like your vote doesn’t count because the parties you vote for never get in? Then you’ll definitely want to say “yes” to proportional representation in the upcoming referendum on provincial electoral reform. I know it’s a bit confusing with two important votes happening about the same time, but once the Oct….
Out the door for Vision — and good riddance
At long last, Vision Vancouver is about to be swept out the door by the electorate, as it rightfully should be.
Turn up the taps & cool housing prices more
For many years now housing prices in Vancouver have been moving up at a very fast pace — so fast that most of us have been priced right out of the market. Economists will forever debate the causes of this phenomenon. However, it would appear that at long last relief finally may be here. Provincial…