Vancouver voters can expect NPA to release policies one at a time, LaPointe says

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Vancouver mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe says his Non-Partisan Association is ruling out the full release of a party platform, suggesting political rivals would use it as a target.

Instead, Mr. LaPointe says he will be incrementally releasing the NPA's pitch for voter support in elections for mayor and councillors over the next 53 days.

"I don't think we're going to end up with one of those equivalent Red Books from the old days of the [federal] Liberal party," Mr. LaPointe told a news conference Tuesday at city hall.

"I want to make sure we have adequate discussion of each piece of policy and that our platform not just simply be a sitting target for Vision," he said, referring to the Vision Vancouver party of his chief mayoral rival and current mayor, Gregor Robertson.

"We have to present our ideas in a structured way that people really get a chance to debate them. That's the better way to reveal policy than a big book where people go through it and cherry pick what they want to attack."

On Tuesday, the former managing editor of The Vancouver Sun restated his commitment to create a new independent Office of the Ombudsperson. The office would take action when a Vancouver resident feels they have not been fairly treated or the city has not given then adequate explanation for a municipal decision.

Mr. LaPointe, who was previously CBC ombudsman, added some details to the idea, suggesting the office would operate with a budget of about $1-million. It would operate autonomously from city administration and elected representatives, and have powers including access to documents and testimony.

Pressed on why he didn't advance a policy on housing, Mr. LaPointe said the NPA would have more to say on the issue soon.

"It's only a matter of some days," he told reporters, suggesting it could come next week after the ongoing annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and an NPA candidates' meeting this weekend.

Gregor Robertson has been mayor since 2008 and is seeking a third term this November. Ahead of the election, his Vision Vancouver party has a majority on council, holding seven of 10 council positions. Two are held by the NPA.