Vancouver City Council votes to strengthen public trust and transparency

Mayor Ken Sim. (File Photo: Mayor Ken Sim/Facebook)

VANCOUVER – Vancouver City Council has approved Mayor Ken Sim’s motion to strengthen public trust and transparency by directing staff to publish an annual financial disclosure report detailing the total taxpayer-paid compensation received by Mayor and members of Council.

“Taxpayers deserve straightforward answers about how their money is spent,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “This annual report will allow us to lead by example, giving Vancouverites a clear picture of all taxpayer-funded compensation.”

The motion will require the Mayor and members of Vancouver City Council to declare the stipends, per diems, travel allowances, and other payments connected to the taxpayer-funded roles they serve in as elected officials. This includes work carried out for organizations such as Metro Vancouver, TransLink, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The disclosures will be compiled in a report that will be made publicly available on the City of Vancouver website.

“With this step, Vancouver will set a new standard for municipalities across the region and the Province,” continued Mayor Sim. “For the first time, residents will have a single, accessible report showing just how much is made by Mayor and Council, and who is footing the bill.”

The motion builds on the work of Councillors Daniel Fontaine in New Westminster and Kash Heed in Richmond, aligning efforts across the region to standardize accountability and transparency practices. Mayor Sim was clear to indicate that the goal of the motion was not to dissuade elected officials from taking on additional responsibilities but rather to ensure residents had a full line of sight on finances.

“It’s encouraging to see leaders around the region stepping up to call for greater accountability and transparency,” concluded Sim. “The work carried out by our elected officials in their official capacities is important and as such, residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going.”

Reports will be published annually on the City’s website beginning with the 2024 calendar year.