Vancouver Deserves Better: No Means No

Vancouver residents, workers, and community organizations have been speaking out in record numbers against the City of Vancouver’s proposed zero means zero budget. The message has been loud, consistent, and clear: no means no.

They don’t want to see the services they depend on cut.

They don’t want workers to lose their jobs.

They don’t want chaos.

We’re calling on Mayor Ken Sim and Council to make a different choice and to listen to their community. There’s still time to bring forward a responsible budget: one that reflects the values and priorities Vancouverites expressed.

Add your name below to show that Vancouver is united and that no means no.

Open Letter:

I am deeply concerned with the proposed budget for 2026.

City staff warned months ago that maintaining current service levels would require at least a seven percent tax increase. Yet Council is choosing to pursue a zero-percent increase—against staff advice and out of line with what residents have said they value in city services.

While we don’t yet know exactly where the cuts will land, we do know that choosing to cut jobs and services today will have deep and lasting impacts on the quality of life in Vancouver neighbourhoods for years to come. A zero percent tax increase inevitably means fewer programs, reduced hours, longer wait times, and more pressure on the services people rely on every day.

The growing opposition to this budget from across Vancouver shows just how deeply people care about the future of their community. Countless residents, small business owners, community groups, and public service users have all said the same thing: this budget does not reflect our city’s needs or values.

Yet despite this overwhelming concern, Council appears determined to move forward.

I am signing this open letter because Vancouver deserves better.

We are calling on City Council to:

• Listen to the community’s clear opposition and respect that no means no.
• Withdraw the “zero means zero” budget and develop a revised budget that protects public services and the people who deliver them.
• Make responsible budget decisions based on real needs. Consult with workers to find long-term solutions to manage costs—without sacrificing jobs.

Vancouver deserves leaders who stand with their community, not work against them. This community has made our position clear: no means no.

Let’s make sure Vancouver has the public services our community needs.