Media release: August 25, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Coquitlam Mayoral Candidate Madhavee Inamdar Signs Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter

Growing coalition of mayoral candidates calls for greater transparency, accountability and financial discipline at regional government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro Vancouver, B.C. (August 25, 2026) - Coquitlam mayoral candidate Madhavee Inamdar has signed the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, adding another major Metro Vancouver municipality to the growing regional coalition seeking significant reforms to the way regional government operates.

Inamdar is a longtime Coquitlam resident and public-sector strategist with extensive experience in policy, governance, organizational transformation and stakeholder engagement. She has also served on the Board of the Coquitlam Foundation and worked on major public-policy and community initiatives in British Columbia.

Inamdar said her decision to sign the Charter reflects the same principles of accountability and effective governance that prompted her to seek the mayor's office.

“Metro Vancouver makes decisions involving billions of taxpayer dollars and infrastructure that will shape our communities for generations,” said Inamdar. “With that responsibility must come strong governance, transparency and accountability. Coquitlam residents deserve to know their tax dollars are being managed responsibly and that their elected representatives are prepared to ask difficult questions when necessary.”

The Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter proposes a five-point reform agenda focused on ethical compensation, greater transparency, streamlined regional governance, independent oversight and a review of Metro Vancouver's core services and spending.

Richmond City Councillor and mayoral candidate Kash Heed, who co-launched the Charter with New Westminster Councillor Daniel Fontaine, welcomed Inamdar to the regional initiative.

“Madhavee brings an important perspective to this effort because she understands how public institutions work and why strong governance matters,” said Heed. “This Charter isn't about tearing down regional government. It's about making it work better. When billions of dollars of public money are at stake, taxpayers should expect rigorous oversight, transparency and clear accountability for results.”

Inamdar said Coquitlam's continued growth also makes effective regional governance increasingly important.

“Coquitlam is growing rapidly, and that growth must be matched by infrastructure and responsible long-term planning,” added Inamdar. “Many of the services and major infrastructure projects our residents depend upon cross municipal boundaries. We need a Metro Vancouver that can deliver those projects effectively, control costs and maintain the confidence of the people who ultimately pay the bills.”

New Westminster City Councillor and mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine said the growing number of candidates signing the Charter demonstrates that reform is becoming a regional issue in the 2026 civic election.

“Every time another mayoral candidate signs this Charter, the possibility of meaningful reform after October becomes more real,” said Fontaine. “Madhavee's support means voters in Coquitlam will also have the opportunity to elect a mayor committed to changing the way Metro Vancouver operates. We're building a coalition across municipal boundaries because that's what it will take to actually deliver reform.”

A Growing Regional Coalition

With Inamdar's addition, the Charter now has support from mayors and mayoral candidates representing 8 communities across Metro Vancouver.

• Daniel Fontaine — New Westminster City Councillor and NWP Mayoral Candidate

• Kash Heed — Richmond City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate

• Ken Sim — Mayor of Vancouver

• Linda Annis — Surrey City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate

• Kirk LaPointe — West Vancouver Mayoral Candidate

• Colleen Hardwick — Vancouver Mayoral Candidate

• Dylan Kruger — Delta City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate

• Mike Starchuk — Former B.C. MLA and Surrey Mayoral Candidate

• Susan Bains — White Rock City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate

• Madhavee Inamdar — Coquitlam Mayoral Candidate

Heed said the diversity of candidates joining the Charter is becoming one of its greatest strengths.

“These candidates don't all come from the same political background and they certainly don't agree on every issue,” added Heed. “That's precisely the point. Accountability shouldn't be left or right. Whether you live in Coquitlam, Richmond, New Westminster or anywhere else in the region, you should expect Metro Vancouver to respect taxpayers and operate transparently.”

The Charter calls for five major reforms, including changes to Metro Vancouver compensation, independent scrutiny of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, a smaller and more accountable regional governance model, independent local-government oversight, and a core-services review of Metro Vancouver programs and expenditures.