Vancouver's city clerk, deputy clerk exit suddenly; no explanation given

Vancouver's city clerk and deputy city clerk are no longer on the job after their last day Thursday, May 21, though the city has declined to explain why.

Katrina Leckovic, who also served as chief election officer, and Tina Penney, director of legislative operations, have been replaced effective immediately by city employees Jason Twa and Andrew Aguilar respectively. The City of Vancouver's communications department released a brief statement: "We thank former city clerk Katrina Leckovic and former deputy city clerk Tina Penney for their dedicated service and many contributions to the City and wish them well. As this relates to individual personnel matters, the City will not be commenting further."

Mayor Ken Sim's office similarly declined details, citing personnel-matter confidentiality.

Several councillors expressed surprise and concern. Green Party Coun. Pete Fry said he was not "personally presented with convincing evidence" to support the decision, noting Leckovic had been "incredibly professional, diligent and very knowledgeable" in her eight years in the role. Vote Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh called them professional and valued their guidance on governance matters. COPE Coun. Sean Orr, newly elected last year, said he was "saddened to see them go," though he expressed relief staff assured no disruption to operations.

The timing carries particular weight: Leckovic, as chief election officer, was set to oversee the October 17 municipal election—five months away. Orr said he worried about the "optics to the public" of replacing the chief election officer so close to a vote.

Leckovic had held the clerk role since January 2018 after serving as director of legislative operations and deputy clerk since 2016. She brought a master's in planning and a background in local government administration. The sudden departure leaves questions hanging over city hall.