This election, join us in urging candidates to prioritize safety.
Ensuring safety in our downtowns should unite us, not divide us. But the status quo isn’t working. That’s why we’re launching “Better Safe Than Sorry,” a campaign and legislative agenda urging candidates to make safety a priority this election.
How you get involved
Your voice and vote matter in this election. Do your part to create a safer downtown.
Voting Information
What Downtown Van is Doing
We make it our business to keep downtown Vancouver clean and safe for all.
Community SafetyHelp Us Pass An Agenda That Prioritizes Safety
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association – in conjunction with our local partners – are calling on all provincial parties to commit to making the requisite financial, institutional, and programmatic investments necessary to address the ongoing, systemic public safety issues that are negatively impacting the business community in downtown Vancouver and municipalities across the province.
- Commit to additional funding to provide comprehensive support for those living with mental health and/or addiction.
- Introduce a multidisciplinary strategy – inclusive of additional funding – to address repeat (non-violent) offenders.
- Partner with local municipalities to provide additional funding for law enforcement.
Learn more about what each party has identified as their platforms to address safety in downtown Vancouver.
Know the Party Platforms
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Champion Small Business
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and the bedrock of our communities. Useless and redundant regulations need to be removed, while larger corporations need to be held accountable if they engage in unfair or anti-competitive practices.
Re-open Mental Health Facilities
Re-open and revitalize mental health facilities to give suffering British Columbians the help that they deserve.
End Heroin Hand-outs
Handing out heroin and other hard drugs to those suffering from addiction does not solve the problem and instead perpetuates a coercive and destructive addiction.
Stop Warehousing Those Suffering
Taxpayer money should not be used to purchase hotels in residential areas and warehouse those suffering from addiction. These programs don’t work, crater property values and increase crime in the community.
Rehabilitation
Instead of “destigmatizing” hard drug use, it’s time to acknowledge the serious harm it causes to users, their families and the communities around them. Our plan will introduce voluntary and mandatory rehabilitation, giving those suffering from addiction an opportunity to get clean and rebuild their lives.
Reverse Decriminalization of Hard Drugs
Drugs like fentanyl, crystal meth and crack cocaine are destructive, life-devouring substances that have no place in our society. Police should have the tools to confiscate and limit their availability.
Defend the Police
Instead of defunding the police, our brave men and women in law enforcement should be supported and given the resources they need to successfully do their jobs.
Crackdown on Violent Crime
Zero tolerance for violent and repeat offenders. End the revolving door justice system by directing prosecutors to pursue maximum sentencing for those convicted of serious crimes.
Appoint Principled Judges
Appoint judges that put victims and their families first – not the sob stories of hardened criminals.
No More “Tent Cities”
Illegal “tent cities” lead to increases in crime, violence and disorder in otherwise peaceful communities. They are unfair to those who work hard, pay their taxes, follow the law and have had their neighborhoods stolen from them.
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This party has not yet made their platform public. We will consistently update this page as more information becomes available.
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This party has not yet made their platform public. We will consistently update this page as more information becomes available.
NOTE:
- The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (Downtown Van) does not endorse any party, candidate or political platform. We are committed to working with all parties and all levels of government to address safety in downtown Vancouver.
- Any images utilized in this campaign are AI generated and do not represent any neighbourhood in Vancouver other than downtown.
- BC United suspended its campaign on August 28.
Vote This Election
Make sure you are registered to vote and are aware of the new voting processes for this municipal election.
Talk to Your Candidates
Let those running for office know you urge them to prioritize public safety. Use the downloadable form as a template. When you email, cc us at dvbia@dtvan.ca.
BC NDP
David Eby, leader
Heather Stoutenburg, contact
info@bcndp.ca
BC Conservative Party
John Rustad, leader
Connor Gibson, contact
connor.gibson@conservativebc.ca
BC Green Party
Sonia Furstenau, leader
Molly McKay, contact
execdirector@greenparty.bc.ca
Authorized by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, registered sponsor under the Election Act, 604-685-7811