Green mayoral candidate rejects OneCity's Vancouver progressive mayoral primary proposal, calls it 'autocratic'
Fry described the approach as “a bold move to come out of the gate with such an autocratic approach to unity,” adding that “unity and respectful dialogue is rooted in honesty and transparency.”
Fry criticized both the timing and the structure of the plan, noting that it would require parties to agree to OneCity’s terms within days — by 11:30 a.m. on Friday — and pay to administer a formal primary, and submit their membership lists for audit. He also objected to Azaroff’s proposed eligibility rules, saying voting would be restricted to party members and that the deadline for signing up new members had already passed.
“Parties will have their membership audited. Voting will only be open to party members. And the deadline to cut off signing up members was yesterday,” said the Green Party’s sitting city councillor.
He further questioned Azaroff’s decision to unveil the proposal on the same day as the provincial government’s controversial 2026 budget, suggesting the announcement was completely overshadowed. “Bad enough to dictate terms of negotiation in a press release. But on a day that is bound to get buried by real and relevant news?” said Fry.
William Azaroff
Positioning himself against what he characterized as a closed process, Fry asserted his campaign is focused on broader public engagement rather than internal party mechanisms. “I’m running as mayor to lead our city and work together on real solutions for the people who call this place home. Not the people in the back room or the partisan interest,” he said.
Fry reiterated his support for a more open approach to narrowing the field, arguing for what he called a “people’s primary” rather than a party-restricted vote. “It’s the people’s primary, not the members-only primary,” he said, adding that candidates should be tested publicly before parties decide whether to unite behind a single contender.
“Let’s put forward our best candidates. Let’s let the people decide what kind of candidate resonates with them and come to a reasoned and reasonable decision to get behind or get out of the way the person best positioned to win the title of mayor,” continued Fry.
Fry echoed the comments made by the Green and COPE’s initial statements on Tuesday, reacting to Azaroff’s surprise announcement.
Azaroff was nominated by OneCity’s membership last week, while the Green Party confirmed Fry as its first Vancouver mayoral candidate in 30 years last month.
As opposed to calls for unity, the rejection shows the growing tensions among Vancouver’s left-leaning parties over how to avoid vote-splitting in the 2026 mayoral race.
OneCity has argued that a fast, formal primary among party members would provide clarity, while the Greens and COPE have emphasized broader cooperation, candidate limiting across Vancouver City Council and Vancouver School Board, and a process that does not rely solely on internal memberships.
COPE has yet to nominate a mayoral candidate. Last week, the party passed an internal motion endorsing, in principle, a “People’s Primary” and fair limiting agreement between parties.
So far, other mayoral candidates include incumbent Ken Sim of the ABC Vancouver party, Kareem Allam of the newly formed Vancouver Liberals, and sitting city councillor Rebecca of the new Vote Vancouver party. TEAM For a Livable Vancouver, the party of former city councillor Colleen Hardwick, is also expected to confirm a candidate.
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