(Burnaby, BC) January 27, 2026 - New Westminster City Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Richmond City Councillor Kash Heed today invited all lower mainland Mayoral candidates to demonstrate respect for taxpayers and sign onto a Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter that will guide reform of the regional planning authority after October municipal elections.

Both councillors have been calling for changes to Metro Vancouver governance in response to revelations about luxury trips, Board compensation and a multi-billion-dollar wastewater plant 500% over-budget.  Both Councillors are leading municipal campaigns to replace incumbent Mayors that have defended Metro Vancouver mismanagement for years.

“As elected officials and Mayoral candidates we have an opportunity to demonstrate to voters that we are committed to transparency and effective regional governance,” said Councillor Fontaine.  “If enacted, The Charter’s 5-point Action Plan will help to restore trust, improve affordability, respect regional taxpayers and ensure they receive value for every dollar spent.”

“With this Charter, voters are encouraged to ask their mayoral candidates whether they support the status quo at Metro Vancouver or will they join us in advocating for major reforms,” said Councillor Heed. “October’s municipal election will be the first chance for voters across the region to vote for accountability at Metro Vancouver.” 

The Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter signed today by Mayoral candidates Heed and Fontaine feature five direct actions related to compensation, transparency, governance, independent oversight and review.

•   1. Ethical Compensation: Mayors will receive only their base municipal salary for regional board participation. No additional stipends or honoraria.
   

•    2. Transparency: Full, independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure lessons are learned and accountability is restored.
   

•    3. Smart Governance: Create of a smaller, directly elected Mayors Council that can oversee Metro Vancouver, Translink and E-Comm 911 and ensure regional services operate more efficiently and transparently.
   

•    4. Independent Oversight: Support the establishment of an Auditor General for Local Government, with a mandate to oversee Metro Vancouver and its member municipalities.
   

•    5. Critical Services Review: Within 90 days of election, launch an independent core service review of programs to identify cost savings and focus on essential priorities.

Mayor candidates are invited to express their support for the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter by signing a downloadable Charter at www.metroaccountability.ca. Supporters will be featured on-line and with future announcements.

contact:

info@metroaccountability.ca