We want to see that big money taken out of politics: Gregor Robertson

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s a move aimed at eventually banning unions and corporations from contributing to municipal elections.

Vancouver’s mayor is backing a plan which would let you vote on letting municipalities reform donation rules.

For years, Mayor Gregor Robertson has been asking the province to change the rules about who can donate to parties during local elections.

“We want to see that big money taken out of politics,” says Robertson. “It’ll make a big difference for transparency and accountability, and giving the public comfort that there’s no big money involved in the campaigns.”

He’s backing a motion from fellow Vision party member and City Councillor Andrea Reimer, calling on the province to let you vote in a referendum which would transfer the rule-making power to cities and towns.

That referendum would take place as part of next year’s provincial election.

“The only feasible period to do a referendum — it costs a lot to do a standalone referendum, so this is an opportunity for the province to do it at the same time people are already headed to the ballot box,” says Reimer.

As for his party’s acceptance of corporate and union donations in the past, Robertson says his party is just using the rules as they exist.