NEWS DETAILS

With the recent change in federal priorities, you may have seen that the federal government is calling for a halt to any work around diversity, equity and inclusion in its programs. This has raised questions about the City of Vancouver’s equity programs and whether our direction and values will also change.

I want to be crystal clear that the City of Vancouver remains committed to advancing its equity work both in the entire community and within the organization. As our city diversifies and the population changes, it is incumbent on us in service to you, the community, to ensure that we understand our new neighbors and to ensure that everyone has equitable access to City services and programs.

The City Council believes that Vancouver is stronger when we embrace and celebrate our community’s richness and is committed to fostering an environment where everyone who calls the city home, their place of employment, or visits, has equal opportunities for prosperity, participation and quality of life. Their Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement adopted Dec. 2, 2024, directs me, as City Manager, to advance these initiatives. These efforts reinforce the City’s values and our goal to create a “High-Performing Government” as outlined in our Strategic Plan for 2023-2029.

The central policy themes that the City Council has established for Vancouver are Climate, Equity and Safety. Our actions, training and programs need to align with and serve these core values. While other levels of government may pursue a different path, our policy direction remains clear.

In a time when many of our residents and employees may feel uncertain about the future and unsafe, Vancouver’s mission to build the riverfront city of the future for all who choose to live here is more important than ever. I look forward to leading the ongoing effort to realize that vision.