VANCOUVER, B.C.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is condemning Mayor Ken Sim and ABC Vancouver’s proposal to suspend the work of the integrity commissioner. 

“Taxpayers in Vancouver need more accountability from our politicians – not less,” said Carson Binda, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “What are Sim and ABC trying to hide by freezing the work of the integrity commissioner?”

Vancouver City Council has decided to vote on a third-party review which would suspend the work of the integrity commissioner in September. That decision by ABC would freeze currently open investigations and prevent new investigations from being opened. 

“Freezing the work of the integrity commissioner is democratic backsliding in action,” said Binda. “It’s shameful for the politicians to pull the plug on accountability.” 

The integrity commissioner’s role includes investigating code of conduct complaints against city councilors and advisory board members. Recent investigations have focused on senior staff in the mayor's office and sitting council members. 

“Sim and council need to maintain the integrity commissioner,” Binda said. “If Sim and his ABC councilors are worried about the work of the integrity commissioner, they should try harder not to violate their ethical obligations instead of shutting her office down.” 

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