Media release: August 12, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Former NDP MLA and Surrey Mayoral Candidate Mike Starchuk Signs Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter

Fontaine and Starchuk say regional accountability transcends partisan politics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro Vancouver, B.C. (August 12, 2026) Surrey mayoral candidate and former BC NDP MLA Mike Starchuk has signed the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, adding his voice to the growing number of civic leaders calling for significant reforms to regional governance.

Starchuk, who represented Surrey-Cloverdale in the B.C. Legislature and previously served on Surrey City Council, is running for Mayor of Surrey with the Imagine Surrey team. Before entering elected office, Starchuk spent 32 years with Surrey Fire Services, retiring as Chief Fire Prevention Officer.

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.

New Westminster City Councillor and mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine, who co-launched the Charter earlier this year, said Starchuk's support demonstrates that reforming Metro Vancouver should transcend traditional political differences.

"Mike and I come from different political backgrounds, but we agree on something fundamental: taxpayers deserve accountable, transparent and effective local government," said Fontaine. "Accountability isn't a left-wing issue or a right-wing issue. It's about doing what's right for the people we represent. Mike has spent much of his life in public service, and I'm very pleased to have him add his voice and experience to this growing call for reform."

Starchuk said his decision to sign reflects his belief that regional government must remain focused on serving residents and delivering value for the public.

"I've spent my career in public service - as a firefighter, a City Councillor and an MLA - and I've always believed that public institutions must be accountable to the people they serve," said Starchuk. "Metro Vancouver delivers critical services that millions of people rely on, and residents have every right to expect transparency, responsible spending and strong oversight. That's why I'm pleased to sign the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter and work with municipal leaders from across the region to help strengthen regional government."

Fontaine said the growing support for the Charter demonstrates what can happen when municipal leaders put practical solutions ahead of partisan labels.

"People don't expect their municipal leaders to agree on everything," added Fontaine. "They do expect us to find common ground and work together when it's in the public interest. Mike signing this Charter is exactly the kind of collaboration I want to see more of across Metro Vancouver."

The Charter calls on mayoral candidates across Metro Vancouver to commit to reforms following the October 2026 municipal elections. Its five commitments include eliminating additional Metro Vancouver compensation for mayors participating in regional governance, an independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, a smaller directly elected Mayors' Council, support for restoring independent local-government oversight, and a review of Metro Vancouver programs and spending.

Starchuk joins a growing group of mayoral candidates and civic leaders from across Metro Vancouver who have signed the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter. They include Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver mayoral candidate Colleen Hardwick, Richmond mayoral candidate Kash Heed, Surrey mayoral candidate Linda Annis, Delta mayoral candidate Dylan Kruger and West Vancouver mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe. With Starchuk joining the Charter, the initiative continues to demonstrate that the call for greater transparency, accountability and responsible financial management at Metro Vancouver crosses municipal and traditional political boundaries.