Category Archives: #VanPoli Civic Politics

#VanPoli | Humility | Critical, Yet Missing, in Our Municipal Electoral Politics

#CdnPoli | Canadian Politics, #VanPoli Civic Politics, BC Politics, BC Votes 2024, canadian politics, Essay, Politics, Vancouver, VanRamblings

In the era of Donald Trump and Pierre Poilievre, humility has become so out of fashion as to almost have been forgotten. Nonetheless, it is worth articulating why humility is an essential attribute of civic life.

Genuine humility and good governance is defined by grace and an intense interest in the lives of others. The perspective of the public, our neighbours, must always be taken into account in the taking of decisions in the public realm.

In the fabric of democracy, humility will always stand as a cornerstone that fortifies the integrity and efficacy of electoral processes and the governance that ensues.

At the municipal level, where governance directly touches the lives of citizens in their communities, the significance of humility becomes even more pronounced.

Humility plays a critical role in the electoral process and among elected officials at the civic level, in fostering trust, co-operation, and effective leadership.

If we in Vancouver have suffered in the civic domain for most of the past quarter century, bereft of an otherwise recommendable civic administration of conscience, the central failure of governance in our city has occurred as a consequence of an unremitting arrogance, and a certitude that what is being done is right and in the collective interest, whether or not community consensus has been achieved.

Humility in the electoral process serves as a linchpin in maintaining the democratic ideals of fairness and equality.

Municipal elections are the bedrock of local democracy, where individuals come together to choose representatives who will voice their concerns, make decisions, and shape policies that directly impact our day-to-day lives.

Humble candidates prioritize the needs and aspirations of their constituents over personal ambitions, engaging in genuine dialogue and actively listening to the diverse voices within their communities. They eschew grandstanding and instead focus on authentic connections and constructive discourse, thereby fostering an electoral environment that is characterized by respect, civility, and inclusivity.

Once elected, those persons who are elected to City Council, Park Board or School Board bear the weighty responsibility of representing the interests of their constituents, while navigating the complexities of policy making and administration.

In this capacity, humility serves as a guiding principle that grounds officials in a recognition of their fallibility and the limitations of their knowledge.

Humble leaders understand that they do not possess all the answers and thus remain open to diverse perspectives, expertise, and feedback from both constituents and fellow stakeholders.

By embracing humility, elected officials cultivate an environment of collaboration and collective problem-solving, transcending partisan divides and fostering innovative solutions to the myriad challenges facing their communities.

Furthermore, humility engenders trust and credibility among constituents, essential elements for the legitimacy of municipal governance.

In an era marked by heightened skepticism towards traditional institutions, humility offers a powerful antidote to the erosion of public trust in government.

Humble leaders prioritize the common good over personal gain, earning the respect and admiration of their constituents through their humility, authenticity, and commitment to serving the public interest.

The challenges confronting municipalities require leaders who possess the humility to acknowledge the complexity of these issues and the willingness to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to address them effectively.

Fostering trust and cooperation to promoting effective leadership and governance, humility serves as a guiding principle enriching the fabric of local democracy.

Let us be very clear here: we as a voting public in Vancouver do not want more arrogance in civic governance of our city.

We do not want holier-than-thou elected civic officials, whether they are with the so-called “progressive coalition” or the nominally right-of-centre ABC Vancouver civic party dictating what is best for us, and ignoring our voices. We’ve had a quarter century of that, and that is more than enough.

In Vancouver, to be a respected, successful and admired politician, one must know what one stands for and what one is fighting for, to know how to work with others, to listen to the public and be a voice for change for the better.

If you’re an elected official, you better darn well listen to the public, bring them along with you, and not find yourself sitting back on your high horse telling the public …

“Oh, deary, I know what’s best for you. Oh sure, I know you think you know what’s best for you, but believe me, I know better than you what’s good for you. Just trust me. And even if you don’t trust me, I’m going to go ahead and do what I damn well please, anyway.”

That’s a recipe for electoral disaster, and a very pissed off public — and if you’ve got any caring, compassion and humility at all, you don’t want that.

Take heed elected officials. Should you fail to do so, you proceed at your peril.

#VanPoli | Our Collective Journey Towards Indigenous Reconciliation

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In contemporary discourse, acknowledgment of reconciliation at the commencement of gatherings of people — when such gatherings take place in Parliament, the Legislature, or at meetings of municipal Councils, or more informally at other types of political meetings, in churches, at housing co-operative meetings, or even when people gather to take in a screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival’s VIFF Centre — has gained considerable attention and importance.

The land acknowledgment serves as a recognition of past injustices and a commitment to moving forward with mutual respect and understanding.

Today on VanRamblings, we’ll explore the significance of the reconciliation acknowledgment in fostering inclusivity, building relationships, and promoting healing within organizations and communities.

One significant catalyst for the reconciliation acknowledgment was the global recognition of the need to address the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples. This recognition was spurred by advocacy efforts from Indigenous communities, grassroots organizations, and allies pushing for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

In Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established in 2008, played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools and advocating for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. As part of its Calls to Action, the TRC called on governments, organizations, and individuals to recognize and respect Indigenous rights, cultures, and traditions, through the acknowledgment of traditional territories and treaties.

By acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and recognizing the histories of colonization and marginalization, a space is created where all participants feel valued and respected. This acknowledgment extends beyond geographical boundaries, encompassing the acknowledgment of past wrongs against Indigenous peoples, marginalized communities, and minority groups.

The voicing of the land acknowledgment signals a commitment to equity and diversity, creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Acknowledging reconciliation at the outset of meetings builds trust and strengthens relationships among participants. It demonstrates a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in meaningful dialogue about the legacy of colonialism, oppression, and discrimination.

The land acknowledgment also opens the door for honest conversations about privilege, power dynamics, and systemic injustices, fostering empathy and understanding among individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through the reconciliation process, relationships based on mutual respect and solidarity are cultivated, laying the foundation for collaborative action and social change.

Reconciliation acknowledgment is an essential step towards healing historical wounds and addressing intergenerational trauma. By acknowledging past injustices and their ongoing impacts, it validates the experiences of those who have been marginalized and oppressed.

This acknowledgment is not merely symbolic but serves as a tangible commitment to truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation. It provides an opportunity for healing and restoration, allowing individuals and communities to confront the legacies of the past and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.


Canadians grieve the finding of the mass graves at the Kamloops Indian residential school, the 215 children lost to their families when they were taken by the government, but also for their lost lives.

Joanne Mills, the Executive Director of the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre, has expressed concern about overuse of the the word reconciliation.

“Reconciliation in Canada is more about the acknowledgement that there were wrongs, but there isn’t a lot of action attached to it. It’s difficult to be talking about reconciliation while one party is in power and another is still asking for rights from the former.

There definitely isn’t an equal power distribution. We’re not coming to the table as peers, we’re still coming to the table as have and have-nots,” she says.

Joanne Mills says for reconciliation to take shape, there needs to be an honest attempt to restore to Indigenous people what was taken at the time of colonization.

“I just don’t want to talk about the stereotypes anymore. People should go and educate themselves and learn the truth,” Mills says.

Mills says inequality remains in areas of provincial jurisdiction, such as the high rates of Indigenous kids in foster care in B.C., access to education and over representation of Indigenous people in prison.

B.C. has seen changes in elementary and secondary school curriculum to include more education about Indigenous people, but there have been bumps along the way. Some teachers say they are at a loss on how to teach Indigenous content. Others say they lack sufficient resources.

The adoption of reconciliation acknowledgments reflects a broader societal shift towards acknowledging and confronting the injustices of the past, promoting dialogue, understanding, and working towards an inclusive and equitable future. While the genesis of the reconciliation acknowledgment vary across contexts, its underlying principles of recognition, respect and reconciliation remain universal.

Know Your Local Ruling Class

#VanPoli | Kareem Allam

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That handsome, despicable fellow you see pictured above is Kareem Allam.

We’re kidding. Honest. Just joshing. Sheesh, no one can take a joke these days.


Afford yourself the pleasure of listening to / watching B.C.’s most accomplished politico, Kareem Allam

Who is Kareem Mahmoud Abbas Allam?

Most political folks will recognize Mr. Allam as the architect of ABC Vancouver’s overwhelming victory at the polls on October 15, 2022, in that year’s decisive municipal election, where every ABC Vancouver candidate was elected to office.

Clearly, Kareem Allam is a master strategist, a superior motivator and a campaign manager par excellence, an individual who means to win, not necessarily at all costs, but still — and, if we might suggest, a man of principle and integrity who fights the good fight, in 2022 on behalf of the beleaguered citizenry of Vancouver.

In 2022, post pandemic, an irritated Vancouver public had become fed up with a do nothing, whiny, Kennedy Stewart-led (if in anyone’s wildest imagination, Mr. Stewart might have the appellation of ‘leader‘ applied to him) administration, where he worked within a disparate and wildly dysfunctional civic administration.  Mr. Stewart is, fortunate for us,  now back at the post from whence he came, as the defrocked and much mocked Simon Fraser University Political Science professor.

If you go to the Fairview Strategy website — where Mr. Allam is employed, Fairview Strategy an integrated public relations company which offers government relations liaison and expertise, communication, media relations, digital communication, Indigenous relations, and market research — you will read this …

With two decades of private and public sector experience in public affairs, Kareem has successfully leveraged his knowledge of people, policy and community into triumphant political campaigns at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.

Kareem managed the winning Kevin Falcon for BC Liberal Leader campaign and the ABC Vancouver municipal campaign, electing 19 out of 19 candidates, including Mayor Ken Sim. In 2023, Kareem achieved #9 status on Vancouver Magazine’s annual Power 50 list.

Kareem has served as a member of the Board of the Fraser Health Authority, and as a member of the Translink Screening Panel, among other appointments which serve the community interest.


Sarah Blyth, community advocate and organizer, founding member of the Overdose Prevention Society

Did we mention that Sarah Blyth holds Mr. Allam in the highest possible esteem?

One year ago, Mr. Allam left his post as Chief of Staff to Mayor Ken Sim. Suffice to say that Mr. Allam’s leave-taking — he was very unhappy — was none too pleasant.

Well worth watching and listening to the Hotel Pacifico podcast interview with Kareem Allam that you’ll find above — given that Mr. Allam will continue to be long into the future, a British Columbian of wit, intelligence, perspicacity and accomplishment, who will endure as an individual who will make a difference for the better in each of our lives, in the many, many years to come. Best to get to know Mr. Allam a little better now, to help provide a bit of context for your confounding life, and perhaps even inject a smidgen of hope for a better collective future for all of us.

#VanPoli | Movements Build Slowly, Inexorably

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Vancouver’s West End in the 1960s, a comfortable family neighbourhood next to Stanley Park

In the 1960s, when Vancouver was still very much a village rather than the thriving metropolis we know it to be today, in those near soporific, pre-movement times, rare was the occasion when the citizens of our fine city got up on their hind legs to protest the status quo or what seemed like the inevitable, as wealthy old men of circumstance wrought change unchallenged, untrammelled by reflection.


Tom ‘Not So Terrific’ Campbell, controversial Vancouver Mayor, in office from 1966 to 1972

Such was the case in 1971, when Vancouver Mayor Tom Campbell and his Non-Partisan Association Council cohorts decided that the time had come to develop the Coal Harbour site at the entrance to Stanley Park, cherished green space of long duration, but not much longer if Mr. Campbell — and the provincial government, led by 17-years-in-power Socred Premier W.A.C. Bennett — had their way.

The Coal Harbour site, owned by Harbour Park Developments, a politically connected local group with strong ties to the Non-Partisan Association, developer Tom Campbell — who in 1966 ran for Mayor as an independent, and won — and the Socred government, first unveiled their development plans in 1965.

The Four Seasons Hotel chain came forward in 1965 with a $40-million development plan on the Coal Harbour waterfront. The initial plan would house 3,000 people in three 30-storey buildings, including a 13-storey hotel and townhouses.

Over time, the development plan was expanded into an unheard of at the time $55-million massive multi-tower plan, with 15 apartment towers, ranging from 15 to 31 storeys set to be constructed on the then green space, a veritable high-rise forest along the Georgia Street causeway entrance to Stanley Park.

As you might well expect, the massive tower development plan for the 14-acre Coal Harbour waterfront site turned into a contentious issue that lasted for years and years, causing increasing numbers of people to rise up in adversarial opposition. The public wanted the site preserved as green space. Developers, Tom Campbell, the Non-Partisan Association, and the Social Credit government had other ideas.

Each week, for years, the community rose up in high dudgeon.

After all, the West End at the time was a single family dwelling neighbourhood, the tallest structure in Vancouver was the Marine Building on Burrard Street.

In 1966, each weekend for the first couple of months, a rag tag group of community activists — who came to include a young storefront lawyer, Mike Harcourt, and Darlene Marzari, an employee of the City — protested on the deserted site. Over time, their numbers grew to five hundred, and then a thousand, rising up in protest and stark and strident opposition to development plans for the cherished green space.


Vancouver City Councillor and then Mayor, Art Phillips; Councillors Walter Hardwick and Harry Rankin

In 1968, a reform-minded Art Phillips and his friend, Walter Hardwick — an Urban Planning professor at UBC, and a community leader whose work would come to shape the city and Metro Vancouver region — ran for Vancouver City Council under the banner of a civic party they had created, The Electors’ Action Movement (TEAM), securing two seats on City Council, joining a young lawyer by the name of Harry Rankin, who had been elected to Council in 1966, sitting in sole opposition to the developer-friendly Non-Partisan Association City Council of the day.

Throughout their campaign for office in 1968, both Art Phillips and Dr. Hardwick stated their clear opposition to the Harbour Parks Development / Four Seasons plan for the green space at the entrance to Stanley Park, standing with the community, and with Vancouver City Councillor Harry Rankin. Would community opposition to the Coal Harbour development plan, in ever increasing numbers, carry the day?

Only the continued opposition of Vancouver citizens could and would tell the tale.


A model of the Harbour Park Developments proposal for the entrance to Stanley Park. The $55-million development would have constructed 15 high-rise towers. Photo: Selwyn Pullan / PostMedia

By the early spring of 1971, hundreds of community activists gathered each weekend on the Coal Harbour site at the entrance to Stanley Park, in protest.


June 7, 1971. All Seasons Park after squatters reclaimed the site. Photo credit: Vancouver Sun

On May 29th, 1971, seventy community activists (hippies they were called by the press) took matters into their own hands, ripping down a fence surrounding the site, storming onto the Coal Harbour waterfront site to plant maple trees, setting up a camp of tents and ramshackle huts, the protest squat sustaining for a year, each subsequent weekend joined by hundreds and hundreds of concerned, mostly young, Vancouver citizens, at what was now called All Seasons Park.


September 23, 1971. An A-frame squatter’s shack in All Seasons Park. Photo: Ross Kenward / PostMedia

In early 1972, bowing to public pressure, a combative Tom Campbell announced there would be a plebiscite on the Four Seasons development, but that only property owners could vote.

This was roundly denounced at a public meeting on June 21, when urban planner Setty Pendakur dubbed the project “the biggest abortion in the history of development in Canada.” Pendakur said the development would create traffic chaos at the entrance to Stanley Park, that Council was confusing people with its plebiscite.

Property owners voted to reject the Four Seasons proposal by 51%. Then the federal government stepped in. On February 10, 1972, Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s government killed the proposal by withholding the transfer of a crucial water lot.


1972.  Alderman Harry Rankin talking to activists at All Seasons Park. Photo: Gord Croucher / PostMedia

With a new Mayor and majority progressive T.E.A.M. (The Electors’ Action Movement) Council voted into office in 1972 by a public eager for change, led by Mayor Art Phillips, with Walter Hardwick, Darlene Marzari, Mike Harcourt and Setty Pendakur securing seats on, perhaps, Vancouver’s most progressive Council ever, in November 1973, the City of Vancouver bought the entire site for $6.4 million.

The green space at the entrance to Stanley Park is now known as Devonian Harbour Park, but for some of us, it will always be All Seasons Park.

Some historical source material for this article provided by Vancouver Sun reporter John Mackie.

There is a correlation to be drawn between the movement leading to the defeat years ago of the Harbour Park Development project at the entrance to Stanley Park — championed by the City Council of the day — and the movement opposition of, now, 200 informed citizens (and more) who gathered at City Hall two weeks ago, and again this past Monday evening to state their opposition to the initiative of the Ken Sim-led ABC Vancouver City Council to eliminate Vancouver’s cherished, 135-year-old, independent and elected Board of Parks and Recreation.

Movements start off small, with generally only a few of our better informed citizens coming to the fore to state their opposition.

As time passes, more of our citizens become informed, inform themselves, taking the power to change for the better into their own hands, to rise up for the better, to work in common cause with friends and neighbours who share their concern to, in time, elect a more democratically-minded local government committed to the livability of our beloved city.