MARK MARISSEN | OCTOBER 29 2021
VANCOUVER, BC — In front of a crowd of 500 people at the Fraserview Hall on Thursday evening (October 28th), Mark Marissen announced that he would join the new Progress Vancouver party and seek its Mayoral nomination. The announcement coincided with the release of a new campaign advertisement, called “Progress” where Marissen announces his first four major commitments for Vancouver:
1. Commitment to building compact, walkable neighbourhoods;
2. Using city-owned land to build affordable housing;
3. Shovels in the ground on the UBC skytrain extension by the end of his first term; and,
4. Making Granville Street’s downtown section a pedestrian-only, all weather protected, well lit, street that adds art, shopping, and public space for the enjoyment of all.
Marissen’s nomination launch event was attended by Vancouverites from all walks of life, showing the big tent coalition that he was building ahead of the Progress Vancouver nomination and next year’s civic election. Attendees included: City Councillors Lisa Dominato, Sarah Kirby-Young and Melissa de Genova, BC Green Party Chair Jeremy Valeriote, Chief of the Mamalilikulla First Nation John Powell, former Premier Christy Clark, former Mayor and MLA Sam Sullivan. A welcome was given by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) leader Debra Sparrow. Over 200 members were signed up, with many coming to Progress from other parties including the Green Party of Vancouver, COPE, Vision Vancouver, and the NPA, many others are getting involved in politics for the first time.
Marissen will be focused on earning the vote of Progress Vancouver membership, signing up new members, and discussing ideas for our city with Vancouverites. More information on the campaign can be found at markformayor.ca.
Speech from last night’s event.