Why Gregor Rules.

Gregor Robertson is not your average politician. In fact, he is one of the most charismatic, uncharacteristic Canadian politicians in the game. And just look at those cheekbones.

Mr. Robertson is of NDP descent, and began his political career as an MLA for the Vancouver and Fairview region. Robertson also became a farmer and entrepreneur as the founder of Happy Planet juice. This background gave Vision Vancouver a rare advantage: a business-savvy NDP leader with goals, and planned agendas to achieve them.

Since Gregor Robertson and his Vision team took office in 2008, they have already transformed the city dubbed the best in the world. Vision Vancouver's target areas are:




1) Making Vancouver the "greenest" city on Earth;
2) Business facilitation; and
3) Ending homelessness

So, starting with number 1, for which Robertson has faced much critique (mainly because the term "greenest" was never specifically defined):

Evidence of environmental enhancement and protection can be seen in improved public transit (hybrid buses, added skytrains, added skytrain routes), added bicycle lanes on the roads (apparently more bike lanes are in Vancouver than in any other Canadian city), and tolling the Sea-to-Sky highway. During the Olympics, bike valets were introduced at all the major pavilions and will continue to be used for large-scale events downtown. Robertson's green agenda also includes promoting greener communities, jobs, and human health.



Business facilitation has been at the root of Vancouver's real estate boom. As more and more international corporations open offices in Vancouver, more businesses become attracted to the area, and the value of real estate increases. What is great about Vancouver is that even the small, one-of-a-kind shops can still thrive in areas like Commercial drive, Gastown, Granville Island, and West 4th Ave.


By 2015, Robertson promises to end homelessness in the Downtown eastside. Despite public concern, protest and fears, Vision's project HEAT (Homeless Emergency Action Team) has established five shelters in Vancouver, all of which have reached max capacity. Critics can bash his overreaching goals all they want, because putting an end to homelessness is not--nor should it be--a job for one man alone. Homelessness is a regional, national and international problem that is heavily rooted in the flaws of the North American societal structures. The goals Robertson sets may be unachievable and unrealistic, but at least he's seeing results and making progress.


Over the past two years, Vancouver was ranked the best city int he world. And Robertson has been Mayor for--that's right--the past two years. Coincidence? Perhaps. But obviously Gregor's charisma, ambitious attitude, motivation and fearlessness make him a truly unique figure in contemporary Canadian politics. He is a perfect blend of a pro-business Liberal, pro-environment Green, and a pro-equality NDP politician.

Gregor, if you read this, I will happily work on your provincial election campaign (pro bono!)