Profile

Jean Swanson: HandyDART users oppose proposed application procedures sure to reduce ridership

A Vancouver councillor worries that transit users don't have nearly enough input into how TransLink is operated.

Jean Swanson: Why I voted to allow nonprofits to build 12-storey buildings

Vancouver's only Coalition of Progressive Electors councillor explains her vote in the face of opposition from more than 100 speakers.

Jean Swanson: My three-point plan to tackle homelessness that creates six big winners

A Vancouver city councillor explains why she's not impressed by a city and provincial plan to build 450 housing units for the poor.

Jean Swanson: House people who are homeless in hotels now

A Vancouver city councillor points out that you can’t self-isolate if you live in a shelter with dozens of other folks on mats beside you.

Jean Swanson: Close-up look at who runs Vancouver City Hall

An email from a landlords' group in the midst of a council meeting caused politicians to reverse their position on capping rent increases for building owners who receive public...

Jean Swanson: Let's protect SRO residents from eviction to prevent homelessness

Landlords know that they can jack up rents as much as they like when they can get a tenant to leave so there is a profit motive for evictions, and the chance of homelessness...

Jean Swanson: People’s Summit looks to identify causes, find solutions to city’s housing emergency

The situation is so desperate that tenants don’t know where else to turn, according to the only COPE member on council.

Jean Swanson: A brief moment of sanity at city hall—why my tiny amendment could have made big difference for renters

The long-time antipoverty activist is disappointed that a majority of council members capitulated when the city manager issued a warning about the potential impact of vacancy...

Jean Swanson: Tenants need vacancy control to end renovictions

Do you know that there’s a new occupation in town? I don’t know exactly what it’s called.  Maybe an “eviction enabler”.

Jean Swanson: We stopped the 4.5 percent rent increase, and this is just the beginning

A COPE council candidate says that when the public gets involved in social movements, governments start to respond.