COPE Releases 2026 Platform, Pledging to Fight for Libraries, City-Wide Tenant Protections, Tripling the Empty Homes Tax, and Universal Meal Programs for Students
2026-09-28
Vancouver, BC - Today COPE released their full election platform “Fight for Vancouver,” pledging to fight for affordability, housing, climate action, and better public services as part of a progressive majority.
“This platform is about the Vancouver we need,” said City Council candidate Sean Orr today, “We need a city that funds our libraries and public services, protects tenants, builds affordable housing, and protects people from climate events.”
The COPE Platform includes:
Fully fund our libraries to ensure that they can be open 7 days a week with full staffing and programming,
Protect Tenants by bringing back the Renters Office with new enforcement powers, establishing a binding tenants rights by-law, building on the TRPP to protect tenants from displacement, and using the Standards and Maintenance by-law to keep rental units safe.
Triple the Empty Homes Tax and close the loopholes that landlords and developers use to keep homes empty.
A Climate Defence Strategy to upgrade infrastructure to save lives, empower communities to prepare for climate events, and get more with less using circular economy initiatives and tool libraries.
Conduct a People’s Audit to review and report on Ken Sim’s term, identify violations of the public interest, support Vancouver City Workers, and set a path to clean up ABC’s mess.
Fund a Universal Breakfast and Lunch Programs at VSB to ensure that students don’t go to school hungry.
“On Vancouver School Board, we’re going to fight for students and the value of public education,” said School Board candidate Suzie Mah today, “That means no more cuts to programming, no more school closures, and no more selling off public land to the highest bidder.”
“We’re going to strengthen the independence of the Park Board, and deliver high-quality services and programming for people at pools, parks, and community centres,” said Park Board candidate Sacia Burton today, “We’re going to steward our green spaces to be more resilient to the climate crisis, and improve the well-being of people in Vancouver.”
“If you love Vancouver, join us in fighting for it.” added Sean Orr.
COPE is running 4 candidates for each City Council, School Board, and Park Board.
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