WTC and friends’ diaper change-in at Vancouver City Hall

Vancouver’s draft budget stinks: we demand a change!

The budget lacks details and transparency. What we do know (mostly from leaks and whistleblowers) is harmful to women, gender-diverse people, and families who are already struggling:

✂️ Cuts to facilities management—which staff say could lead to removal of baby change tables and period product dispensers.

➡️ A next-to-nothing increase (well below inflation) for public libraries while they’re asked to do more with less.

✂️ Cuts to the department leading on childcare, the women’s equity strategy, gender-based violence, sex worker safety, and more.

➡️ Increased fees for parks and recreation users and small businesses.

✂️ Eliminating the team responsible for creating a climate resilient future for our kids and protecting residents (especially pregnant people, infants, and seniors) from extreme heat.

➡️ Freezing grants that connect vulnerable residents with social and mental health supports and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.

✂️ Slashing 400 jobs (while reducing flexible work arrangements that allow many caregivers to remain in the workforce).

On November 25th from 9-10:30 am join WTC and friends at a diaper “change-in” at Vancouver City Hall as council prepares to vote on the draft operating budget.

All are welcome—bring your babies, toddlers, and friends. Expect to meet new neighbours, share the joys and struggles raising a family in an unaffordable city, have lively discussion as the council meeting is underway, and yes, some dirty diaper changes!

We’ll have a selection of free diapers, tampons, and pads on hand (while supplies last). Bring anything else you need to keep yourselves and loved ones entertained and comfortable.

Can’t make it? Email council to tell them how city services you rely on are already overprescribed and underfunded and that budget cuts will only make life more challenging:

Council's Email Addresses

ken.sim@vancouver.ca, rebecca.bligh@vancouver.ca, lisa.dominato@vancouver.ca, pete.fry@vancouver.ca, sarah.kirby-yung@vancouver.ca, mike.klassen@vancouver.ca, lucy.maloney@vancouver.ca, peter.meiszner@vancouver.ca, brian.montague@vancouver.ca, sean.orr@vancouver.ca, lenny.zhou@vancouver.ca