Vancouver East is no doubt one of Canada’s most diverse and social justice-oriented ridings, full of rich history and cultural heritage. The richness and beauty of the riding attracts artists, cultural workers, activists, entrepreneurs, and families from all cultures and walks of life who want to make Vancouver East their place to work and call home. Vancouver has one of the largest urban Indigenous populations in Canada, and the community is strong in Vancouver East. Heritage businesses operated by generations of families further enrich the cultural and culinary landscape of Van East. Van East has the highest per capita concentration of non-profit organizations in all of Canada.
Like many cities impacted by the affordability crisis, Vancouver East is also faced with many challenges, including an affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and the opioid overdose crisis. Families and businesses with long connections to the community are being priced out, and home ownership is out of reach for young workers and families. Art and cultural spaces are struggling and disappearing with rising rents and the pressures of gentrification. With less green spaces than other parts of Vancouver, Vancouver East is also vulnerable to the deadly effect of heat waves.
To protect and nurture the heart and soul of Vancouver East, it is paramount that we tackle the housing crisis, the opioid crisis, and the climate crisis with everything that we’ve got. We must also support the heritage businesses, non-profits, art and cultural spaces and workers, and entrepreneurs that give Van East its rich cultural landscape.
Van East is where the pulse of social justice beats the strongest and it is my honour to represent this amazing riding. You have my assurance that I will fight every day for all the things that make Van East incredible.
