Vancouver mayor criticized for speaking to topics outside his control

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – With less than two months go until the next civic election, Vancouver’s Mayor is under fire for speaking out about issues over which he really has no power.

Campaigning hasn’t officially begun, but politicians all over the Lower Mainland have unofficially started appealing for support.

In recent weeks, Gregor Robertson has spoken publicly about a subway line along the Broadway Corridor to UBC, and Kinder Morgan’s proposal to nearly triple the capacity of its Trans Mountain pipeline — something that would lead to a large increase in the number of tankers in Burrard Inlet.

But, it won’t be Robertson or anyone else at the city level who ultimately decides on the projects — those decisions are up to the federal or provincial governments.

So, why is he choosing to focus on these as opposed to other issues he does have control over?

He says both issues are very important for Vancouver.

“The City has to take a leadership position. We have to be very clear where we stand on the Broadway subway. I think it’s critical that the mayor and council are advocating vigorously for Broadway subway. If we aren’t doing that then the chances of getting support from the provincial and federal government is greatly reduced,” Robertson says.

He adds, “On the Kinder Morgan pipeline, it is undoubtedly a huge risk to Vancouver, and I think it’s really important that mayor and council and citizens of Vancouver take the opportunity to speak out, what we’re worried about, our concerns for our city, our economy and environment, be very clear with our position. I’m hearing nothing from Mr. LaPointe and the NPA on the Kinder Morgan expansion proposal and oil tankers in our waters, and that’s a huge concern. I think we want to see clear positions so voters understand the clear choice.”

Regardless of where you live in the Lower Mainland, you head back to the polls November 15th.