West Vancouver mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe has signed the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, becoming the latest candidate to join a coalition pushing for greater accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline at the regional government.
According to the news release, candidates who sign the charter commit to a series of governance reforms, including refusing additional stipends or honoraria for serving on the Metro Vancouver Board beyond their municipal salary.
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LaPointe joins Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Surrey mayoral candidate Coun. Linda Annis, New Westminster mayoral candidate Coun. Daniel Fontaine and Richmond mayoral candidate Coun. Kash Heed in pledging to pursue governance reform following the Oct. 17 municipal election.
The charter lays out five reforms aimed at improving regional governance, strengthening independent oversight, increasing transparency and delivering better value for taxpayers.
The release notes LaPointe has long pushed for greater accountability at Metro Vancouver and was among the first public figures to raise concerns about rising costs at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“Metro Vancouver provides important regional services, but residents have lost confidence in how the organization is governed,” LaPointe said. “In September 2023, I publicly raised concerns about the escalating costs of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant — months before Metro Vancouver fully disclosed the extent of the overruns. Since then, I’ve consistently called for a full independent inquiry. By signing this Charter, I’m not only supporting meaningful governance reform, I’m also committing to lead by example by accepting no additional compensation for serving on Metro Vancouver. Public service should be about serving taxpayers — not collecting additional paycheques.”
Fontaine welcomed LaPointe’s endorsement, saying support for reform continues to build across the region.
“Every candidate who signs this Charter is making a personal commitment to taxpayers,” Fontaine said. “This isn’t simply about talking about reform — it’s about leading by example. Kirk LaPointe’s decision to join this growing coalition demonstrates that momentum for meaningful change at Metro Vancouver continues to build across the region.”
Heed said the charter reflects what residents have been asking of regional government.
“Residents want a Metro Vancouver that is focused on delivering core regional services while respecting taxpayers,” Heed said. “This Charter is about restoring confidence through practical reforms, stronger oversight and personal accountability. We’re encouraged to see more mayoral candidates stepping forward to support these common-sense principles.”
According to the news release, the charter’s five commitments include eliminating additional stipends and honoraria for Metro Vancouver Board participation beyond a mayor’s municipal salary, supporting a smaller and more accountable regional governance model, conducting an independent review of Metro Vancouver programs to identify efficiencies and refocus on essential services, backing an independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project with strengthened public reporting, and advocating for expanded independent audit authority over Metro Vancouver and its member municipalities.
The release states additional mayoral candidates from across Metro Vancouver are expected to endorse the charter in the coming weeks ahead of the Oct. 17 municipal election.
