Zero Sense Budget: Ken Sim’s Deep Cuts Will Badly Damage The City

Ken Sim and ABC have voted through a Budget that makes deep cuts.  This austerity budget makes Zero Sense.

“This is a budget that gives a massive benefit to the super-rich and investors, and it’s going to make the rest of us pay for it in the form of huge fee hikes, rising prices, and cuts to city services,” said COPE City Councillor Sean Orr in explaining his ‘No’ Vote on the Budget.

A record-setting 630+ people signed up to speak at City Council on this motion. You could count the number of people who spoke in favor on one hand. The city received 16 letters in support, and 1,244 in opposition.

That doesn’t include the 5,000+ letters and counting we’ve sent from COPE campaigns opposing Sim’s motion, cuts to parks and services, and this budget. Nor does it include the 2,000+ letters sent by organized labour, climate organizations, and more. This is the most-opposed budget in Vancouver history.

During Tuesday’s debate at City Hall, Councillor Orr made repeated amendments to reduce the harm from this Budget. Ken Sim and ABC voted down common sense amendment after common sense amendment.

“Councillor Orr and our Coalition led a fight against this Budget because it will harm people across Vancouver,” said COPE Co-Chair Shawn Vulliez. “It brings me no joy to have the hollow victory of knowing that Ken Sim and his ABC cronies will be booted from office after this. This budget is a disaster for our city.”

“I’m sorry to the staff, residents, and people who care about this city. Your Mayor and Council let you down. COPE fought for you. We’ll keep fighting,” added Shawn, “This isn’t the end.”