SURREY City Council on Monday unanimously approved a motion requesting B.C.’s Inspector of Municipalities to hold a public inquiry into concerns related to governance and accountability within Metro Vancouver regional entities.

The motion cites concerns regarding financial stewardship, fairness to member municipalities, the withholding of important financial, engineering, environmental, and other records from Surrey-appointed board directors, wasteful use of corporate assets, and compliance with legal and contractual obligations.

“Surrey residents deserve to know that the organizations collecting and spending public money are operating with transparency, integrity, and respect for the people they serve,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said. “When serious concerns arise, leadership demands action. That is exactly what Council is doing to help restore public confidence.”

The motion also requests that the Inspector’s review extend not only to the broader conduct at issue, but also to any bylaws, decisions, and actions of the Metro Vancouver Regional Board, the Greater Vancouver Water District, and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District that may have furthered those matters. The motion further requests that Metro Vancouver pay the costs of the inquiry.

“This is not about politics. It’s about accountability,” Locke added. “No public institution funded by taxpayers should be beyond scrutiny. If Metro Vancouver’s governance is sound, a public inquiry will confirm that. If it is not, the public has every right to know, and reforms must follow.”