Three progressive parties in Vancouver—COPE, OneCity, and the Vancouver Greens—have struck a deal to restrict non-mayoral candidates in the October municipal election. The pact seeks to minimize vote splitting among like-minded groups while preserving voter options.
Candidate Limits Across Boards
Each party can nominate up to five candidates for city council. For the school board, COPE and the Greens face a cap of four candidates each, while OneCity may field five. On the park board, the Greens and COPE limit themselves to four candidates apiece, with OneCity allowed three.
“It was a hard-fought negotiation, and while imperfect, it reflects a fair compromise,” stated COPE campaign director Shawn Vulliez.
OneCity mayoral candidate William Azaroff highlighted the balance between avoiding vote splits and offering choices. “Progressives deserve options beyond a single slate of 10 candidates,” he said. “We have strong contenders, making tight limits challenging.”
Despite the caps, the parties could still field more candidates than available seats: up to 15 for 10 city council spots, 13 for nine school board positions, and 11 for seven park board seats. Green Councillor and mayoral candidate Pete Fry acknowledged the numbers but called the deal progress. “The focus remains on non-aggression, bettering Vancouverites’ lives, and challenging Mayor Ken Sim—priorities outweigh the math,” Fry explained.
Mayoral Race Remains Open
The agreement excludes mayoral candidates, leaving room for rivalry. Azaroff and Fry have secured their party nominations, with COPE set to reveal its pick soon. Parties pledge a good-faith effort to select the strongest progressive contender using agreed metrics.
“The key is establishing a fair system to identify the top mayoral candidate,” Azaroff noted. “If it’s not me, I’ll respect the outcome.”
Fry expressed confidence: “I believe in my approach and hope other progressives rally behind it or step aside as election day nears.”
Nomination votes for all parties occur in early May.
Crowded Field Ahead
This accord precedes a competitive election featuring at least seven parties. Contenders include ABC Vancouver under Mayor Sim, Vancouver Liberals led by Kareem Allam, Vote Vancouver with Councillor Rebecca Bligh, and TEAM For a Livable Vancouver headed by Colleen Hardwick.
