September 23, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Successful Vancouver Is a Successful B.C.
Vancouver Liberals challenge every provincial party to commit to five key initiatives to get Vancouver’s economy moving
VANCOUVER, BC - With British Columbians now voting twice in a week, Vancouver Liberals mayoral candidate Kareem Allam today called the back-to-back elections a historic opportunity. He challenged every provincial party to commit to a Vancouver economic agenda before voters head to the polls on October 24. "B.C., Vancouver and every other city in this province haven't been rowing in the same direction," said Allam. "Voters now get to make two choices one week apart. Some would rather talk about the calendar. I'd rather talk about what Vancouver needs and make sure every party seeking to govern this province has to answer for it."
The Vancouver Liberals will send the Vancouver Economic Agenda to every provincial party leader and keep track of what they commit to.
The agenda asks for five commitments:
1. SkyTrain to UBC. A funded commitment and construction timeline for the Broadway line to UBC. Vancouver has been talking about it for a generation. It's time to build it.
2. Bring UBC and the University Endowment Lands into Vancouver. A clear legislative path to amalgamation, so tens of thousands of residents have a real say in our city’s governance, and the city plans
as one entity.
3. Take down the viaducts. A provincial government needs to come to the table to expedite the removal of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, unlocking housing, parks and jobs in Northeast False Creek.
4. Fund the infrastructure and services that housing growth requires. Housing can't get built faster than the pipes and power beneath it. Our city requires a commitment from the Province to accelerate investment in utilities, Green energy, grid capacity, water and sewer.
5. Build, baby, build. Vancouver will do its part. A Vancouver Liberal city hall will fully adopt the BC Building Code and consolidate twelve permitting departments into one front door. We're asking the
province to meet us with the funding and the partnership to match.
"The time for incrementalism is over," said Allam. "Vancouver is the economic engine of this province. When Vancouver succeeds, B.C. succeeds. It's time for big swings, and this election is the moment to take them." The Vancouver Liberals are not affiliated with any provincial party and will not endorse one. "Vancouver. B.C. Make your voices heard," said Allam. "Together, we can."
Media Contact:
Vancouver Liberals Communications