Rebecca Bligh gets backing from four senior B.C. Liberals ahead of Vancouver mayoral race
Former premier Mike Harcourt and three other veteran politicians endorsed the Vision Vancouver councillor, citing her qualifications and gender as factors in their choice.
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Rebecca Bligh, who served eight years on Vancouver city council and recently completed a two-year stint as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, has picked up endorsements from four senior B.C. political figures: former premier Mike Harcourt, former Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner, former Vision Vancouver councillor Geoff Meggs, and former BC NDP MLA Brenda Bailey.
"Vancouver deserves a mayor who listens and hears them, and can work through disagreements and get the job done," the three men wrote in their endorsement letter. "Rebecca Bligh is that leader."
Harcourt told The Tyee that it's time Vancouver had a woman mayor after more than a century without one, and that Bligh's track record makes her the strongest choice. "She just happens to be the most qualified to be mayor anyways, with her two terms on council and an excellent, well-regarded stint as the head of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities," he said. Harcourt, Meggs and Ladner all acknowledged in interviews and the letter that Bligh's gender factored into their decision.
The endorsement also backs a mixed council slate: Rebecca Hasdell, John Boychuk, Steve Jedreicich and Geoff Teoli from Vote Vancouver; Iona Bonamis, Frances Bula, Jarrett Hagglund and Lucy Maloney from OneCity Vancouver; and Moira Stilwell from Vancouver Liberals. Meggs noted he personally supports OneCity's Caitlin Stockwell for council but reached a compromise with Ladner and Harcourt on the limited council seats.
Bligh is polling at 5-7 per cent depending on the poll, trailing Pete Fry at 23-28 per cent and incumbent Ken Sim at 19-27 per cent. Both OneCity and the Coalition of Progressive Electors pulled their mayoral candidates this summer to avoid splitting the progressive vote.
The facts
Who has endorsed Rebecca Bligh for Vancouver mayor?
Four senior B.C. political figures have endorsed her: former premier Mike Harcourt, former Non-Partisan Association councillor Peter Ladner, former Vision Vancouver councillor Geoff Meggs, and former BC NDP MLA Brenda Bailey.
How is Rebecca Bligh polling in the mayoral race?
Bligh is polling at 5–7 per cent depending on the poll, trailing Pete Fry at 23–28 per cent and incumbent Ken Sim at 19–27 per cent.
Why did Harcourt cite Bligh's gender in his endorsement?
Harcourt said it's time Vancouver had a woman mayor after more than a century without one.
