Doreen Braverman Answers

Affordable Housing

1. What could Vancity do to create more affordable housing for both low- and middle-income Vancouverites?

Vancity's new Social Finance department brings together all the investment and financing functions. Working, creatively, with non-profits, co-operatives and contractors, lower-priced housing can be developed in many Vancouver communities. Lane way housing and lock-off units in existing apartments are no-brainers and Vancity it there. The staff of Vancity, thought Vancity Enterprise and Venture Capital, is experienced in creating affordable housing. Now with the synergy of putting all these departments together, the communities of our members can take advantage of expertise not surpassed by any other financial institution.

2. How can Vancity use financial products or services to support the creation of more rental housing units in Vancouver?

As already mentioned, laneway housing and lock-off secondary suites are already available for financing from Vancity.  Basement suites are legal in all parts of Vancouver.  To make sure they are up to standard, Vancity can arrange up-grading financing.  Housing co-operatives and non-profits have long been valued members of Vancity and they receive expert advice from the knowledgeable and creative Vancity staff. Through the Shared Success - where 30% of Vancity's earning are directed back to members and their communities, there are opportunities for new and existing organizations to apply for assistance to develop their capacity to create more rental housing.

Transportation

1. What can Vancity do to provide incentives to its members to use alternatives to private vehicles in the same way it has facilitated alternative transportation programs for its 2,400 staff?

Because our members live in so many communities in British Columbia, I doubt there is a one-size fits all solution to getting people our of their cars.  However, each Branch could sponsor a think-tank for members to address the local situation and provide suggestions.  In communities where transit is not frequent or convenient, perhaps shared cars clubs could be promoted. These clubs should be co-operatives and Vancity could offer preferred financing to the co-ops to buy the vehicles.  Bicycle clubs could also formed in some Branches with Vancity assistance. Vancity has always lead by example so should be pro-active inreminding members of its own programmes.   It should also continue to seek partnerships with community groups, such as the Cooperative Auto Network, to assist getting the messages out to Vancity members.

2. How can Vancity use financial products or services to support the widespread adoption of alternatives to private vehicle use in Vancouver?

Vancity already does give preferential loan rates to purchasers of hybrid and lower emission vehicles and was one of the original partners in the SFU/UBC U-Passes programme which is now implemented in many parts of North America. In cooperation with other community partners, to increase the use of transit, this programme could be introduced on other major routes throughout the region. I am a believer that new ideas should come from the "grass routes" and not always from the top down so, again, Vancity could organize community focus groups, surveys and think tanks to discuss alternatives to vehicle use. These sessions should be held in the Branches with the options and initiatives supported at the Branch level. Contests among branches could give the initiatives added recognition. Prizes should be bicycles for the winning Branches' Share a Bicycle programme. Vancity's Social Finance department will surely be seeking opportunities to support groups and programmes that organize for alternatives to private vehicle use through the entire system.

Citizen Engagement and Involvement

1. What could Vancity do to include more citizen engagement in its decision-making processes?

It is part of my Policy statement that I want to encourage greater member involvement in Vancity issues. Many members do not understand that Vancity is a financial cooperative and the advantages that brings.  The members own Vancity so should share a greater part of decision-making than just electing the Board of Directors.  Members can be engaged in many ways: incentives to encourage more members to vote for the Board.  Presently only about 6% of the members vote.  Other options are sessions held in branches or regions to discuss planning decisions.  These event should include a social hour  where members can meet with staff and directors.  The monthly mailed statements offer an easy opportunity to survey members on different issues.  Incentives to participate can be a cash prize to one person from each branch or a donation to the winner's favourite charity. Chat lines, on-line, can also canvass members on issues and ideas.  Members who attend the annual general meeting have the opportunity to ask questions of staff and the Board.  It could also provide an opportunity for the Board to ask questions of the attendees by way of a written survey.

2. How can local branches engage citizens more directly in Vancouver's 23 neighbourhoods?

The local branches have the best opportunity to engage members.  The Branches participate in community days and belong to community organizations, such as Business Improvement Associations and local business associations.  These gatherings are great sounding boards for community issues.  They also offer opportunities for Vancity to engage  citizens in its values and projects. Vancity sponsors dinners throughout the year for its members.  These events could contain short dialogue sessions or paper surveys to elicit community proposals, problems and solutions.  Some branches also sponsor community days, e.g. for recyling and shredding.  These events could be forums for feedback on community issues.

Other

1. What else would you like to tell Think City supporters about your candidacy?

My handout to members when I campaign is a 6" ruler which says, As a RULE, experience counts!  I topped the polls with that handout last time around and I hope to do so again.  I run as an independent, so my only allegiance is to the Vancity members.  I have been on the board for a total of 9 years.  I was first elected in 2000 but I was the first also-ran in the 2003 election when the Action Slate was concerned it would lose control of the board because there were 4 independents and 5 Action.  I ran again in 2004 and I have been on the Board ever since. I am a a businesswoman - owner of The Flag Shop with 13 Shops across Canada.  My expertise is financial control and marketing.  I have been on many boards, both corporate and community: the Better Business  Bureau,  the Business Development Bank, the Royal Canadian Mint Board, the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Coast Mental Health Foundation, and the  Canadian Mental Health Association, to name a few.   

My policy statement urges more member involvement in Vancity, especially the youth group who will be tomorrow's investors and borrowers.  With seven grown grandchildren as proof, I think they need financial advice.

Please see my website for more information on me and my policies. I welcome e-mails or phone calls to discuss my candidacy.