Vancouver NPA loses another candidate

About two months before the municipal election and it appears the Vancouver NPA has lost another candidate.

Mauro Francis, who was running for council under the NPA’s banner, has jumped ship and is now a part of Progress Vancouver, which is headed by Mark Marissen.

“My decision to leave was because I committed to fight for a Vancouver that would be safe and welcoming to young families like mine,” Francis said in a statement posted by Marissen.

Francis added that “the internal dynamics of the NPA were getting in the way of the campaign.”

(1/2)

Proud to welcome @MauroAFrancis to Progress Vancouver.

Mauro has a young family and understands the urgency of our housing crisis. He is also a strong voice for community-led public safety.

We're excited to have him.

Welcome aboard!#VanPoli #ChooseProgress pic.twitter.com/hPQGrRjDdS

— Mark Marissen (@marissenmark) August 9, 2022

Francis’ departure comes less than a week after John Coupar confirmed he was no longer running as a mayoral candidate for the NPA. He did not provide a reason for that decision.

According to Marissen, who is looking to unseat current Mayor Kennedy Stewart, Francis is the executive director of the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre.

“Mauro has a young family and understands the urgency of our housing crisis. He is also a strong voice for community-led public safety,” Marissen said on Twitter Tuesday, adding Progress Vancouver would be announcing its council and park board candidates in the coming days.

---

Related articles: 

• John Coupar resigns as NPA Vancouver mayoral candidate

• Vancouver mayoral race: tight at the top, Kennedy Stewart still leading

---

Earlier this month, a Mainstreet Research poll found that Stewart and Colleen Hardwick, the mayoral candidate for TEAM, led the mayoral race.

Ken Sim, who is the candidate for ABC Vancouver, and Marissen were both trailing in third place.