Election Reform and Childcare Expansion Explored at City Council

When does a city get involved with reforming elections? Who should have a say in how they are presented? How much should businesses and non-profits be allowed to get involved?

These questions were posed at the city council on March 11th by Councillor Daniel Fontaine. 

In his proposed letter to the province's Minister of Municipal Affairs, he went on to suggest that non-profits, unions and businesses should be required when voicing support for candidates to their employees or members to publicly report funds spent.

He went on to detail what should be reported, including staff time and social media. He also proposed a maximum amount that could be spent within the organization to promote candidates to their staff. Pooling resources among organizations would be prohibited. Only B.C. based businesses would be allowed any of this.

A vigorous discussion followed. Councillor Tasha Henderson pointed out this would limit community groups from identifying candidates that share their goals. Bicycling clubs to gay youth organizations would be limited in their involvement in civic politics. While public communications of third parties may be currently restricted, this proposal would limit private communication within organizations.

Councillor Ruby Cambell stated, "I believe it discourages individuals from participating in a democratic process." She went on to point out the current difficulties in keeping citizens engaged in municipal elections. In the end, the proposal to send the letter was defeated.

The council then discussed changes to current bylaws regarding childcare spaces. Expanding the number of childcare spaces in residential locations would expand available childcare for many in New Westminster. Council instructed staff to investigate this possible change in the bylaws.

In addition, the city staff will be evaluating the opportunity to participate in the province's electric scooter pilot project. This would give the city a chance to explore the expansion of its current e-mobility programs to include electric kick scooters. "E-scooters are part of an ongoing shift toward electric personal mobility that's reducing emissions by giving people new clean and affordable options to get around," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in a recent press release on the project. The council passed both of these proposals to staff.

When the council returned from a break, delegate Steven Carter welcomed them with a poem and a wish for a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Delegate Hamir proposed increased visibility for signage on local homes. - Deputy Chief of Fire and Rescue Services Brad Davie explained the current restrictions and staff were asked to look into Hamir's request. Delegate David Brett discussed the growing problem of antisemitism. Two candidates reminded everyone that spring is on the way with the announcement of Heritage NewWest's annual Home Tour on May 26th and the May Day Community Association's upcoming May Day Celebrations on May 25th.