Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter

Restoring Trust - Reforming Metro Vancouver

Richmond City Councillor Kash Heed and New Westminster City Councillor Daniel Fontaine 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 scandal-plagued regional planning authority after October municipal elections.

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

“October’s municipal election will be the first chance for voters across the region to vote for accountability at Metro Vancouver,” said Councillor Heed. “With this Charter, lower Mainland mayoral candidates have an opportunity to let their voters know that they understand the status quo at Metro Vancouver is no longer acceptable.”

“As aspiring civic leaders, Mayoral candidates have a chance to demonstrate to voters that we are committed to transparency and effective regional governance,” said Councillor Fontaine.  “Together, we can restore trust, improve affordability, respect regional taxpayers and ensure they receive value for every dollar spent.”

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

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

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

• 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.
   

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

• Back-to-Basics 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 at www.metroaccountability.ca. Supporters will be featured on-line and with future announcements.