The work of an Integrity Commissioner should always be free from political interference, which is a basic principle that Mayor Sim and the ABC party fail to understand. 

VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) – OneCity Vancouver is deeply troubled by Mayor Ken Sim and ABC's attempts to suspend the work of Vancouver's Integrity Commissioner. With no clear reasoning, the Mayor and his party are attempting to interrupt Commissioner Lisa Southern’s vital work in ensuring ethical standards for our elected officials. As OneCity Councillor Christine Boyle aptly wrote, "There is absolutely no justification for Mayor Sim and @Vote4ABC rushing to suspend her work, unless there is something more they're hiding."

The role of the Integrity Commissioner is vital to the foundations of our democratic process, and ensures that people elected to Council act transparently and are held accountable to others. Mayor Ken Sim and ABC's flagrant attempts to suspend this role is an insult to the residents of Vancouver who understand that no elected official – no matter who they are, no matter how much power they have – should be immune from being held accountable for their actions. 

The people of Vancouver face serious challenges. Rent continues to climb. Congestion chokes our streets. Beloved businesses and community haunts are closing. Our city's climate goals are getting further and further out of reach. A year and a half after taking office, ABC has precious little to show for its time in power – choosing to undermine our democratic institutions instead of focusing on how they can actually make life better for Vancouverites. ABC's move to stop the work of the Integrity Commissioner is yet another reminder that they are not interested in governing for Vancouver, but instead are more interested in infighting that will set our city back at a time when we should be building for the future. 

"ABC is in a state of chaos," said OneCity School Board Trustee Jennifer Reddy, "But let’s get back to talking about what truly matters in this city: fairness, equity, transparency and meaningful government policy."

The work of an Integrity Commissioner should always be free from political interference, which is a basic principle that Mayor Sim and the ABC party fail to understand. OneCity Vancouver will continue to remind the Mayor and ABC that accountability is something Vancouverites demand from their elected officials.

Please stay tuned with OneCity for future actions. Together, we can send a strong message to the Mayor and ABC that no one is above the rules.

OneCity Vancouver Co-chairs Cara Ng and Liz Locke are available for comment: [email protected]