Ms Kwan submitted these comments on January 27.
Jenny Kwan, NDP MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant:
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How will you advise your constituents to vote on the Transportation & Transit Referendum?
I will definitely urge the constituents of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant to vote yes in the referendum. I am deeply disappointed that the Provincial government failed to work out transit and transportation funding options directly with the mayors as they agreed to do in 2010. It is my belief that the Provincial Government is trying to avoid important policy decisions and hard choices by hiding behind a referendum.
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What is the priority in the Mayors package (if any) for your riding?
Vancouver-Mount Pleasant is criss-crossed by several major traffic and transportation routes and is home to many low and moderate income people so improved public transit services through bus services and rapid transit is a top priority for my constituents. As people in our communities often need to travel beyond the boundaries of our riding, it is essential that region-wide improvements to bus service region is addressed. This is both an issue of providing a service to meet the practical needs of our community members, it is also equally important to take concrete steps to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality across the region.
I should also note that HandyDART services have been insufficient to meet the needs of our community. Additional resources are critically needed for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on this service.
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How do you plan to participate in the referendum campaign?
It is important that we all work together to find solutions to address the critical need for enhance public transportation services for our region. I will campaign for a “yes” vote and reach out to constituents to share information about the economic, environmental and social costs of unrelieved and growing congestion that results from the failure to invest in transit improvements. I will also work with my colleagues in the Official Opposition as well as the community groups, businesses, and labour and environmental organizations supporting the yes vote.
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Any other comments?
I am pleased that the mayors have committed to independent audits and public reporting because that is critical to assuring people that the tax will be used effectively, efficiently and only for the intended transit and transportation purposes. So this is an important step toward greater transparency and accountability. There is no question that it is very unfortunate that five years ago, the Liberal government did not follow up on its stated commitment to work with Metro Vancouver mayors to find appropriate funding for needed transit improvements. As a result, our region’s liveability and economy continue to suffer while the Liberals have avoided making the needed decisions. We must act now to correct their neglect.
