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Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Enters Federal Politics
Gregor Robertson, the former mayor of Vancouver, is stepping back into the political sphere, this time on a federal level. He has announced his candidacy for the Liberal Party in the newly established riding of Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby, a position currently held by outgoing Liberal MP Harjit Sajjan.
Robertson expressed a sense of urgency regarding his return to politics, stating, “We are in unprecedented times, our country is literally under siege from President Trump, our sovereignty is on the table, which is unthinkable. This is a time when we all have to stand up.”
Serving as Vancouver’s mayor from 2008 to 2018 and as a provincial MLA in Vancouver-Fairview from 2005 to 2008, Robertson’s political experience is complemented by his entrepreneurial background as a co-founder of the Happy Planet juice company. He believes this diverse experience equips him well for a role as a Member of Parliament, claiming, “As a former mayor and also elected in British Columbia, I know how provincial and city governments work and I can bring that voice to Ottawa.”
Robertson is advocating for the need for political expertise and business acumen in addressing national issues, highlighting how his background could contribute to enhancing the legislative process in Canada.
Criticism of Robertson’s Record
However, Robertson’s return has not been without skepticism. The Conservative Party quickly criticized his nomination, labeling him a “green extremist” and accusing him of contributing to significant increases in housing costs, taxes, and drug-related deaths during his tenure as mayor. Conservative candidate Frank Caputo voiced concerns about the Liberal Party’s direction, stating, “If this is a star candidate, I’m worried but I’m not really surprised because this is a government that really does tout so many of the values that the former mayor touts.”
Robertson is often associated with his ambitious promise to end homelessness in Vancouver by 2015, a goal that has not been met despite ongoing challenges in the city’s housing crisis.
Addressing concerns about his past statements, Robertson maintained that setting ambitious goals is crucial, emphasizing the necessity of striving for significant milestones even at a federal level. He defended his administration by claiming that Vancouver enjoyed the strongest municipal economy in Canada during his tenure and made strides in affordable housing, as well as hosting international events like the 2010 Olympics and the Women’s World Cup.
“We had a very aggressive and ambitious approach with homelessness and affordable housing,” Robertson stated, adding that the region was only beginning to realize the extent of the global housing crisis that has since escalated.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
Max Cameron, a political scientist at UBC, noted that Robertson’s inclusion in the Liberal lineup signals a strategic move by Liberal Leader Mark Carney. This approach aims to inject fresh perspectives into a party that has been in power for a decade, suggesting that Carney desires to embody change. Additionally, Robertson’s background as a former New Democrat could be indicative of the Liberals’ attempts to appeal to a broader political spectrum.
With the next federal election scheduled for April 28, Robertson’s candidacy will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in Vancouver and beyond.
Source
globalnews.ca