COPE Vancouver unveils 2026 election platform with housing, libraries, tenants at core
The left-wing municipal party unveiled 12 candidates and a 28-page platform calling for triple the empty homes tax, a restored Renter's Office, and seven-day library access.
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COPE Vancouver unveiled its 2026 municipal platform Monday with housing affordability and public services as centerpieces, running 12 candidates across City Council, School Board, and Park Board races.
The 28-page platform promises to fully fund the city library to open seven days a week, bring back a Renter's Office, and triple the empty homes tax. COPE also pledges to create a climate defence strategy, fund universal breakfast and lunch programs for schools, support Vancouver City Workers, and conduct a "people's audit" reviewing Mayor Ken Sim's term.
Sean Orr, the COPE city councillor who won his seat in a 2025 by-election and is running for re-election, said the platform reflects core priorities. "We need a city that funds our libraries and public services, protects tenants, builds affordable housing, and protects people from climate events," Orr said.
The platform frames the stakes plainly: "The rich and powerful control our political system, climate change is real and here, and the housing system is rigged against us. COPE is different because we really fight for what is needed." COPE has long advocated for rent control, an empty homes tax, and free transit for children.
COPE's four City Council candidates are Orr, Chloe Leslie, Devyani Sign, and Solomon Yi-Kieran. School Board candidates are Suzie Mah, Melanie Cheng, Gwen Giesbrecht, and Derrick O'Keefe. Park Board candidates are Tamiko Suzuki, Sacia Burton, Jamie Han, and Cease Wyss.
Earlier this month, COPE mayoral candidate Stephanie Allen stepped down to clear the path for a single progressive mayoral candidate. OneCity's William Azaroff then threw support behind Pete Fry, a two-term city councillor running as the Green Party's mayoral candidate.
How will COPE fund the seven-day library expansion, and what would it cost annually?
What specific changes would the restored Renter's Office enforce to protect tenants?
Does COPE have separate policy positions on the school board and park board races beyond the city council platform?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many candidates is COPE Vancouver running in the 2026 election?
COPE Vancouver is running 12 candidates across City Council, School Board, and Park Board races.
What are the main promises in COPE's 2026 platform?
The platform promises to fully fund city libraries for seven-day-a-week access, restore a Renter's Office, triple the empty homes tax, create a climate defence strategy, fund universal breakfast and lunch programs for schools, support Vancouver City Workers, and conduct a review of Mayor Ken Sim's term.
Who is COPE's City Council candidate running for re-election?
Sean Orr, a COPE city councillor who won his seat in a 2025 by-election, is running for re-election to City Council.
