Delegation on way to Ottawa to advocate for ‘Vancouver priorities’

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and two councillors are on their way to Ottawa this week, as they’re set to meet with federal officials to advocate for action on what they’re describing as “Vancouver priorities.”

Meetings will be held from Tuesday through Friday, where the delegation is set to address housing, transit, public safety, and infrastructure.

“Vancouver is one of Canada’s most economically and culturally significant cities,” said Sim in a statement. “We face challenges in housing, safety, and infrastructure that can’t be solved by any one level of government alone. We’re heading to Ottawa to ensure that Vancouver’s voice is heard, and to advocate for solutions that require federal leadership.”

Speaking to 1130 NewsRadio on Monday, Coun. Mike Klassen says that the trip is a great opportunity for the City of Vancouver, given that the Carney government is newly in office.

“[It] has a very ambitious agenda that I think aligns in many ways with the objectives of the city as well,” Klassen explained.

Despite having been to Parliament Hill many times, Klassen shares that this will be his first time attending in an official capacity on behalf of the city.

As for what the city is advocating for specifically, Klassen says he and the delegation will be looking to former mayor Gregor Robertson for action on housing.

“Certainly, housing has been a huge priority, and we know that with Gregor Robertson being the new minister for housing and infrastructure, there are some prior priorities that definitely align with the City of Vancouver’s objectives,” he explained.

“Public Safety has been an overarching concern, and one that we think with issues around bail reform need to be really addressed. Finally, there are larger infrastructure concerns and objectives. Certainly, the SkyTrain extension out to UBC could use a bit more support at this point, so we can keep that project moving forward, because it will really be integral to the future of the economy of the Lower Mainland,” he said.

More to come.

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