Vision Vancouver will not run a mayoral candidate in this fall’s municipal election.

“After considering all the options, and listening carefully to party members and progressive voters, Vision Vancouver has decided we will not field a mayoral candidate,”said Ange Valentini. “This was a difficult decision, because we believe our chances would have been very good, but we believe this decision is the right decision for our city,” said Ange Valentini.

Valentini said Vancouver residents are fortunate to have “two other excellent candidates” for mayor in the form of Shauna Sylvester and Kennedy Stewart.

Running another mayoral candidate at this late date “creates too much risk that the NPA or one of the other right-wing parties would win and take Vancouver backwards,” Valentini added.

“Vision will now undertake a process of deciding whether to formally endorse a mayoral candidate who shares our progressive vision and values, and who will work together with Vision councillors, school board trustees and part board commissioners to keep Vancouver moving forward.

“Vision will be looking closely at their full platforms as they are released, as well as their ability to beat Ken Sim and the NPA and the other right-wing parties, and we will make our decision on whether to endorse Kennedy Stewart or Shauna Sylvester for mayor closer to the election.”

Vision Vancouver City Council candidates

Heather Deal: A four-term Vancouver City Councillor, Deal focuses on Vancouver’s livability – bringing her passions for arts and culture, animated public spaces, active transportation and heritage to City Hall. A biologist, she has represented Vancouver regionally and nationally to work for better environmental protection, infrastructure, transit and women’s participation in politics.

A four-term Vancouver City Councillor, Deal focuses on Vancouver’s livability – bringing her passions for arts and culture, animated public spaces, active transportation and heritage to City Hall. A biologist, she has represented Vancouver regionally and nationally to work for better environmental protection, infrastructure, transit and women’s participation in politics. Diego Cardona: A social justice advocate, Cardona is active in a variety of organizations including Fresh Voices, which aims to make BC and Canada a better place for immigrant and refugee youth. Most recently he was Programs Coordinator for Kiwassa Neighbourhood House.

A social justice advocate, Cardona is active in a variety of organizations including Fresh Voices, which aims to make BC and Canada a better place for immigrant and refugee youth. Most recently he was Programs Coordinator for Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. Catherine Evans : A current Park Board Commissioner and community advocate, Evans has been a past Vancouver Library Board chair, business owner, and lawyer. She is passionate about equality, the environment, and inclusive, accessible public spaces.

: A current Park Board Commissioner and community advocate, Evans has been a past Vancouver Library Board chair, business owner, and lawyer. She is passionate about equality, the environment, and inclusive, accessible public spaces. Tanya Paz: A leader in active transportation, car sharing, sustainability, and community planning — she’s also a proud #WestEndYVR resident and advocate for safer streets, better transit, and building our green economy.

A leader in active transportation, car sharing, sustainability, and community planning — she’s also a proud #WestEndYVR resident and advocate for safer streets, better transit, and building our green economy. Wei Qiao Zhang: A former athlete, talk show host, community leader, and assistant to Vancouver Member of Parliament, with the skills and track record to shape the future and better the lives of Vancouverites.

Vision Vancouver School Board candidates:

Allan Wong: Wong has served on School Board since 1999, where he has earned a reputation for being a fierce advocate for seismic school upgrades and student safety. He is a long-time public education advocate committed to supports for ESL and special needs students and improving aboriginal graduation rates, earning him the trust of parents, teachers and students alike.

Wong has served on School Board since 1999, where he has earned a reputation for being a fierce advocate for seismic school upgrades and student safety. He is a long-time public education advocate committed to supports for ESL and special needs students and improving aboriginal graduation rates, earning him the trust of parents, teachers and students alike. Erin Arnold: A parent and an experienced professional in counselling, victim services, and facilitation, and who is familiar with government policy and process after working within multiple provincial government ministries.

A parent and an experienced professional in counselling, victim services, and facilitation, and who is familiar with government policy and process after working within multiple provincial government ministries. Aaron Leung: A public education advocate, an engaged resident of Champlain Heights and a locally and nationally recognized leader for his work supporting students on sustainability-related issues at the Vancouver School Board, which included co-founding the VSB Sustainability Conference.

Vision Vancouver Park Board candidates

Shamim Shivji: Lawyer, mediator and former president of West Point Grey Community Association who is dedicated to meaningful community engagement.

Lawyer, mediator and former president of West Point Grey Community Association who is dedicated to meaningful community engagement. Cameron Zubko: Metis business owner with 20 years of experience building partnerships and infrastructure across the country, and who also serves on the City of Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee where he works with city councillors to advise city policy.

See also