THE Province has appointed Larry Campbell to convene and co-ordinate partners in Vancouver’s Downside Eastside (DTES) with the aim of improving the quality of life for all people who live and work in the neighbourhood.
The former mayor of Vancouver and Canadian senator will provide focused intergovernmental co-ordination and leadership to drive forward solutions with the community to deliver better outcomes for the Downtown Eastside.
“The Downtown Eastside is a vibrant community of strong, resilient people who have a long history of supporting each other through tough times,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Our government is determined to deliver better outcomes for this community at the heart of Vancouver. I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Campbell as he helps bring all our efforts together and all partners to the table to improve quality of life for everyone in the Downtown Eastside.”
Campbell’s overall focus will be co-ordinating and advancing the Province’s improvements for people, public spaces, infrastructure, health care, housing and economic development in the Downtown Eastside. Campbell brings significant experience and existing relationships, and a deep commitment to this work as a longtime leader in the city.
In collaboration with the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and the parliamentary secretary for the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown, Campbell is specifically tasked with:
* facilitating negotiations between all levels of government to advance planning, co-ordination and capital investments in housing development, as well as prioritize improved efficiency of significant government investments in wraparound supports and service delivery in the area;
* engaging with government and non-government sectors for the purposes of aligning DTES activities and approaches with provincial policy objectives and priorities; and
* supporting the development and implementation of operational frameworks to address systemic challenges and improve outcomes in the DTES that align with provincial work currently underway.
“The Downtown Eastside is a unique and incredibly resourceful community. Being on the ground – listening and working directly with the people that live, work and gather there – is critical to finding practical ways forward,” Campbell said. “By working in partnership with the strong community and business leadership that already exists, and bringing my experience and relationships to this role, we will advance housing policy that meets local needs, and reduce barriers to strive for seamless care for our unhoused neighbours, especially women and Indigenous people, and those with complex mental health and addictions. Working together on these solutions will help us address community concerns and move ahead in a focused, compassionate and effective way.”
The contract is for six months from September 29 until March 31, 2026.
“Concerted, focused efforts to continue supporting people with the services they need are paramount to improving people’s health and well-being,” said George Chow, parliamentary secretary for the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown. “Larry Campbell is uniquely qualified to take on this role and his years of experience will be an asset as we work together to build a stronger Downtown Eastside.”
Campbell will provide ongoing advice to the Premier, the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the parliamentary secretary for the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown, and work with the responsible ministries to take action on opportunities that will benefit the neighbourhood and surrounding areas, while addressing systemic barriers that prevent progress for the community. The goal is to build on government’s existing work that’s delivering more housing, new treatment and recovery options in the neighbourhood, and supporting safety-related initiatives.
BC Conservative Critic For Mental Health and Addictions, Claire Rattée, said in a statement: “For eight years, David Eby and the BC NDP have pushed their reckless decriminalization experiment while overdose deaths continue to climb. After the controversial firing of their last ‘czar,’ they’ve appointed another one, but British Columbians are still left without answers.
“We have multiple FOI requests for Dr. [Daniel] Vigo’s reports to the Ministry of Health, yet months later, nothing has been released. Instead of transparency, all we’ve seen are vague promises and no clear plan to address this crisis.
“Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is fueled by a lack of mental health supports, a lack of education, and a lack of opportunities for people to build stable lives. On top of that, law enforcement has had its hands tied, leaving communities without the tools to deal with open drug use, trafficking, and crime. Mismanaged and underfunded SROs have become warehouses for addiction instead of pathways to recovery.
“British Columbians don’t need more czars or consultants. They need leadership. The Premier must abandon his failed social experiment, end taxpayer-funded drug consumption sites, and finally invest in real treatment, mental health supports, and recovery programs; alongside proper enforcement, so that people have the chance to get well, reunite with their families, and return to their communities drug-free.”
