West Vancouver Mayoral Candidate Kirk LaPointe Signs Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter

Growing coalition of mayoral candidates commits to governance reform, greater accountability and refusing additional Metro Vancouver compensation

Metro Vancouver, B.C. (July 15, 2026) – West Vancouver mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe has become the latest municipal leader to endorse the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, joining a growing coalition of Metro Vancouver mayoral candidates committed to restoring accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline to regional government.

By signing the Charter, participating candidates are committing to meaningful governance reforms - including accepting no additional stipends or honoraria for serving on the Metro Vancouver Board beyond their municipal salary. In doing so, they are making a personal commitment to lead by example and demonstrate greater respect for taxpayers.

LaPointe joins Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Surrey mayoral candidate Councillor Linda Annis, New Westminster mayoral candidate Councillor Daniel Fontaine, and Richmond mayoral candidate Councillor Kash Heed, all of whom have pledged to champion significant governance reform following the October 17 municipal election.

The Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter outlines five practical reforms designed to improve regional governance, strengthen independent oversight, enhance transparency and ensure better value for taxpayers. LaPointe has been a long-time advocate for greater accountability at Metro Vancouver and was among the first public voices raising concerns about the escalating costs of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"Metro Vancouver provides important regional services, but residents have lost confidence in how the organization is governed," said Kirk LaPointe. "In September 2023, I publicly raised concerns about the escalating costs of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant—months before Metro Vancouver fully disclosed the extent of the overruns. Since then, I've consistently called for a full independent inquiry. By signing this Charter, I'm not only supporting meaningful governance reform, I'm also committing to lead by example by accepting no additional compensation for serving on Metro Vancouver. Public service should be about serving taxpayers—not collecting additional paycheques."

New Westminster mayoral candidate Councillor Daniel Fontaine welcomed LaPointe's endorsement, saying support for reform continues to grow across Metro Vancouver.

"Every candidate who signs this Charter is making a personal commitment to taxpayers," said Fontaine. "This isn't simply about talking about reform - it's about leading by example. Kirk LaPointe's decision to join this growing coalition demonstrates that momentum for meaningful change at Metro Vancouver continues to build across the region."

Richmond mayoral candidate Councillor Kash Heed said the Charter reflects what residents have been demanding from regional government.

"Residents want a Metro Vancouver that is focused on delivering core regional services while respecting taxpayers," said Heed. "This Charter is about restoring confidence through practical reforms, stronger oversight and personal accountability. We're encouraged to see more mayoral candidates stepping forward to support these common-sense principles."

The Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter includes five key commitments:

• Ethical Compensation: Eliminate additional stipends and honoraria for Metro Vancouver Board participation beyond a Mayor's municipal salary.

• Smart Governance: Support a smaller, more accountable regional governance model that improves transparency and public accountability.

• Core Services Review: Conduct an independent review of Metro Vancouver programs to identify efficiencies and refocus on essential regional services.

• Transparency: Support an independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project and strengthen public reporting.

• Independent Oversight: Advocate for expanded independent audit authority over Metro Vancouver and its member municipalities.

Additional mayoral candidates from across Metro Vancouver are expected to endorse the Charter in the coming weeks leading up to the October 17 municipal election.

Residents can learn more about the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter or sign their support by visiting: https://www.metroaccountability.ca

Media Contacts

Kirk LaPointe

West Vancouver Mayoral Candidate

604-356-KIRK (5475)

Councillor Daniel Fontaine

NWP Mayoral Candidate – New Westminster

604-356-4165

Councillor Kash Heed

Independent Mayoral Candidate – Richmond

604-616-0479