Vancouver’s newest municipal party unveils results of participatory policy process
*For immediate release*
July 13, 2022
VOTE Socialist releases platform:
Tax the rich and build public housing
Vancouver’s newest municipal party unveils results of participatory policy process
Vancouver, B.C., unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories: VOTE Socialist will be running candidates for City Hall, School and Park Board on a platform focused on taxing the rich to deliver the public housing and expanded public services people in Vancouver desperately need.
Policy proposals include:
Increasing property taxes in order to fund public housing and expand public services;
Implementing real rent control, tied to the unit, and a right of first refusal to allow the City to purchase residential buildings to convert to coop or public housing;
Introducing a maximum square footage on single-family developments and prioritizing adding coop and public housing to low-density neighbourhoods such as Dunbar, Shaughnessy, and West Pt. Grey;
Reallocating funds from the VPD’s bloated budget to community-led safety initiatives, including safe supply and mental health care services;
Converting city-owned golf courses to less exclusionary uses such as public parks and recreational facilities, and public housing.
The first iteration of VOTE Socialist’s platform is live now on the party’s website, a few days ahead of candidates being selected and announced.
"As a new elector organization, we think it’s important to lead with policy rather than personalities," said Stephanie Langford, a Registered Nurse and VOTE Socialist organizer. "Voters deserve a clear alternative to the rigged status quo — something to help convince the 61% of eligible voters who didn't cast a ballot in the last municipal election that this process is worth their time.
“We’re proud of the dozens and dozens of hours volunteers, grassroots activists, and VOTE Socialist organizers poured into this first iteration of our platform. We believe this will make a significant contribution to the public debate we need in this city.”
Taken together, the over 230 policy statements represent a vision of a Vancouver For All — a city where everyone is guaranteed safe, affordable, and dignified housing as a human right, not as a commodity or a tool of financial speculation; a city that puts the needs of the most marginalized first, and that makes the rich pay more of their fair share.
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To arrange an interview with any of VOTE Socialist’s candidates, please contact media@votesocialist.ca