Our Voices Made a Difference…Again
In December, we learned that the city clerks (who are already often overworked) have too much on their plates to continue running civic advisory committees.
Committees representing youth, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, racialized communities, seniors, and more are slated to be terminated early.
This is a direct result of recent budget cuts, which staff warned would reduce service delivery.
Advisory committees volunteer their time to provide on-the-ground community input to staff and council. They've brought forward concrete recommendations to improve food security, address gender-based violence, enhance heat protections for tenants, advance age-friendly cities, and provide anti-racism training for council.
This is not the first time that advisory committees came under threat. Last year, Mayor Sim introduced a motion to review and streamline community advisory committees to increase “efficiency.” Two amendments were introduced to the motion by Councillor Lisa Dominato and Councillor Pete Fry to add an equity lens to the review and consult with current advisory committee members.
Just like last time, we are proud of the many WTC members who are on advisory committees that pushed back and signed up to speak at council. Alida Oegma Thomas, co-chairs of Renters Advisory Committee and Women's Advisory Committee also spoke to CTV Vancouver to raise awareness about this motion.
The proposal to terminate volunteer advisory committees was withdrawn from the council agenda of Dec. 9th with staff considering “alternative approaches” in 2026.
This is the second time in three weeks that WTC members have fought back against policies that harm equity-deserving residents and seen results like withdrawn proposals and amendments.
We’ll continue to hold council accountable for the impact of their decisions as we learn more about future cuts.
Keep showing up. Use your voice. It is making a difference.
Get involved with us by signing up to our mailing list updates or becoming a WTC member.
