Media Release: Feb. 10, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

A Single Element of Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter Will Save Taxpayers $5 Million “With One Stroke of a Pen”

Fontaine and Heed challenge mayors to back accountability plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro Vancouver, B.C. (Feb 10, 2026) With one stroke of a pen and a single governance reform, New Westminster NWP mayoral candidate Coun. Daniel Fontaine and Richmond independent mayoral candidate Coun. Kash Heed estimates Metro Vancouver mayoral candidates will save regional taxpayers an estimated $5 million over the next term of office.

Earlier this month, Councillors Fontaine and Heed invited regional Mayoral candidates in the October 2026 municipal election to sign onto a Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter to guide reform of the regional planning authority after October municipal elections and demonstrate respect for taxpayers.

The Charter features five direct actions related to transparency, governance and oversight, including an ethical compensation plan to guarantee that Mayors will only receive their base municipal salary for regional board participation. Additional stipends or honoraria will be eliminated.

“Metro Vancouver now spends over $1.2 million a year just paying elected municipal officials to attend meetings,” said Councillor Daniel Fontaine. “Adopting all five elements of the accountability charter will likely save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars on misguided actions.  This single and most simple measure alone will save well over $1 million every single year and send a message that the status quo is no longer acceptable at Metro Vancouver.”

 A review of Metro Vancouver’s own financial data shows the regional district paid approximately $1.6 million in stipends, retainers, and committee compensation to board members and appointed officials in 2024 - on top of their municipal salaries. It is anticipated that 2025 will land in a similar range, with 2026 coming in lower in part because of the elimination of double meeting fees and remuneration for elected official travel 

 “That is real taxpayer’s money, and it adds up fast,” said Councillor Heed. “Metro Vancouver was never intended to be a sprawling government with dozens of paid governance positions. We have ended up with a regional body that rivals provincial Crown corporations in size, but without the same level of scrutiny or accountability." 

Vancouver Mayor Candidate Ken Sim and Surrey Mayoral Candidate Linda Annis have also signed the Charter at www.metrovancouveraccountability.ca. In addition to ethical compensation, the Charter’s 5-point plan includes measures likely to result in cost-savings for taxpayers:

 · Smart Governance: Create a smaller, directly elected Board of Mayors (includes a Tsawwassen First Nation and Electoral A representative for Metro Vancouver only) that will oversee Metro Vancouver, Translink and E-Comm 911 and ensure regional services operate more efficiently and transparently.

· Critical Services Review: Within 90 days of election, launch an independent core service review of Metro Vancouver programs to identify potential cost savings and refocus on essential priorities.

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

· Independent Oversight: Support re-establishment of an Auditor General for Local Government and/or an expansion of the BC Auditor General’s mandate to include Metro Vancouver and its member municipalities.

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Media Contacts: New Westminster NWP Mayoral Candidate Coun. Daniel Fontaine Ph. 604-356-4165

Richmond Independent Mayoral Candidate Coun. Kash Heed 604-616-0479