Richmond city council narrowly appointed Coun. Alexa Loo to represent the city on the Metro Vancouver board in a 5–4 vote May 12, following former Metro Vancouver director Coun. Chak Au’s election to Parliament for Richmond Centre–Marpole and his decision to retain his Richmond council seat while relinquishing regional responsibilities.
The close vote ignited debate over whether Loo should have participated in the decision for a role that provides compensation—the 2024 Metro Vancouver records show board members receive between roughly $11,200 and $50,700 annually.
Coun. Kash Heed raised a point of order questioning the ethics of voting for oneself in a paid position, but Mayor Malcolm Brodie ruled Loo was eligible to vote and the motion proceeded.
Following the appointment, resident Jerome Dickey attempted to address the council about Au’s dual-role situation but was interrupted on procedural grounds. Heed then introduced a motion urging staff to review precedents around conflicts of interest when councillors vote on personally beneficial matters, though Brodie and Loo dismissed it as an unnecessary use of resources, with Loo noting abstention would not have affected the outcome.
The motion ultimately advanced amid ongoing concern over the ethics of self‑appointment in regional governance.
Reporter