VANCOUVER, B.C. – On October 15, 2020, in the lead-up to waste reduction week in Canada, City Councillor Michael Wiebe’s motion to improve the circularity of Vancouver’s Economy passed unanimously.
Wiebe’s motion directs staff to prioritize the following circular principles and objectives in decision making and to include that information in reports to Council: design out waste and pollution; keep products and materials in use; and regenerate natural and Indigenous systems.
“Continuing with business as usual isn’t sustainable,” said Wiebe. “We need to transition our economy to be more efficient with our limited resources and we need to include circularity in our just and green recovery efforts.
“Improving circularity is part of the paradigm shift needed to achieve many of Vancouver’s climate action and sustainability goals, but it also holds vast potential for our local economy. The circular business community in Vancouver is strong and growing with plenty of opportunities for green job creation.
“As we heard today from speakers, circular jobs are meaningful, sustainable and contribute to our community; the industry provides well paying careers, opportunities for barriered individuals, and untapped capacity for the creation and growth of local businesses.”
Over 20 local innovators and business leaders called in to speak in support of Wiebe’s motion and to shed light on the circular work that is already underway in Vancouver.
“The speakers today were enlightening and inspiring. We are extremely fortunate to have such a thriving and innovative circular community in Vancouver. And the businesses we heard from are just the tip of the iceberg — there’s 100s more like them in our city, and the potential for many more.
As a small business owner and advocate, Michael Wiebe is committed to making Vancouver a more supportive and hospitable environment for local green companies.
“The message we heard loud and clear today is that these businesses are simply asking for the city to get out of their way to enable their industry to grow. The least we can do is remove the barriers to progress, but I am looking to see the city to do much more than that to support the circular economy.
“The circular community in our city is exceptional and we are lucky to have so many local innovators spearheading this critical work for our economy, our city, and our planet.
“I’m grateful for the support my motion received and eager to see Vancouver become a regional leader in circularity.”
Wiebe’s motion to support the circular industry and economy comes on the heels of his last motion which called for a paradigm shift in regards to Vancouver's relationship with businesses; it also passed unanimously and directed the city to serve as a partner in local businesses' success.
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