Vancouver Liberals civic party gain third sitting elected official ahead of election
He says the Liberals would increase funding and prioritize the maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.
“Brennan’s commitment to an independent Park Board is very much in line with the values and ideals of the Vancouver Liberals,” said Kareem Allam, who is the Vancouver Liberals’ candidate for mayor of Vancouver. He is a political strategist and consultant who previously served as campaign manager for Erin O’Toole and Kevin Falcon, led ABC Vancouver’s 2022 civic election campaign, and briefly acted as chief of staff to Sim’s Mayor’s Office.
“We need his kind of leadership at the Park Board to move forward and ensure the independent future of the Park Board under the Vancouver Liberals’ Park and Recreation Plan,” continued Allam.
Bastyovanszky’s decision provides the Liberals with two sitting elected officials in the Park Board chamber. Last month, Commissioner Scott Jensen also announced he has joined the Liberals and intends to seek re-election for the same seat in the October 2026 civic election.
As well, also last month, Vancouver School Board trustee Victoria Jung announced she has joined the Liberals, ahead of her efforts to run for Vancouver City Council this year.
Both Jensen and Jung were originally elected under ABC in 2022, before becoming independents.
Bastyovanszky’s announcement does not formally specify whether he will seek re-election, and, if he does, which governing body he would seek election to.
On the political spectrum, the civic Liberals are being positioned as a centrist party, and they are not affiliated with the provincial and federal parties of the same name.
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