Tara Hayes is Seeking Nomination with COPE.
✓ Affordable housing for all. Non-market and supportive housing for the city’s most vulnerable
✓ Divest from policing. Invest in community and culture
✓ Keep public services public and out of the hands of the billionaires, protect and create union jobs
✓ City-led safe supply to address the toxic drug crisis
Statement From Tara
As a union president and harm reduction worker, I respect the responsibility that comes with advocating for others, specifically those that may not be able to advocate for themselves.
As a long-time Vancouver resident, I care deeply about and believe in this city, and I know that we can do better for us all.
I know that a strong working class means a strong city for all of its residents from all walks of life. City council needs this perspective, and I want to be the one to take it there.
We as a city should take public safety very seriously, but I know there’s a better way to go about it. Meaningful investment in culture, community supports and community spaces can truly reduce the need to over-police.
Everyone that calls this city home has the right to be welcome here and the right to be here safely; with or without a fixed address, homeowner or renter, any level of income, born here or new to the city. No one should be left behind..
I prioritize asking questions and learning from the city’s residents about what they need. I am confident in my ability to translate those needs into competent policy decisions. Working within the democracy of the union has furthered my understanding and respect for the process. I want to help city council work for the city.
Tara’s Bio
I was born here in Vancouver, and I am grateful to call this city my home. I am grateful to be welcomed on these lands. For the last 6 years I have worked in the Downtown Eastside as a mental health worker, an intake coordinator at a low-barrier emergency overnight shelter, and as the President of the BC Harm Reduction Workers union. (CUPE 5536) I also sit on the Executive Board of CUPE Metro Vancouver District Council, and I am a delegate to the Vancouver and District Labour Council. It is through these positions that I have been on the frontlines of both the housing and toxic drug poisoning crises. I have seen firsthand how policy decisions that come out of city hall affect all the city’s residents. From the labour perspective, I also see firsthand how policy decisions affect workers in all sectors across the city. The knowledge that I have gained from working in such frontline position has become invaluable in my conviction towards being a part of the positive change that this city needs. I love to learn from those around me. I am dedicated to translating that learning into tangible opportunities for positive improvement. Working in leadership positions and as part of a team has strengthened my ability to collaborate.
I can’t wait to continue this collaboration with you.