Vancouver’s municipal electoral system is unique because councillors are elected at-large. Citizens can vote for a maximum of 10 councillors to represent the entire city. In contrast, most other cities use the ward system whereby officials are elected to represent a specific area.

Related: Fringe candidates face uphill battle

The at-large system has allowed for the creation of political parties, which are not usually seen at a municipal level. These are the fringe parties that will be represented in the 2008 civic election:

BC Marijuana Party

The BC Marijuana Party was formed by Marc Emery in 2000. It is officially a provincial party and Emery is running as an independent in the municipal election.

The party is dedicated to legalizing marijuana and expanding personal freedoms and liberties.

Candidate:

Marc Emery (Mayor)

Green Party of Vancouver

The Green Party of Vancouver believes in protecting the environment and improving parks within the city. Key points in its platform include ending the commercialization of public spaces; sharing public areas to allow for multiples uses of the sites; increasing accountability and transparency in government; investing in infrastructure; and making public spaces more accessible.

Candidate:

Stuart Mackinnon (Park Commissioner)

Nude Garden Party

The key issue for this party is creating public spaces where people can roam in the nude. They are also concerned about the environment and increasing citizen participation in government.

Candidates

Patrick C. Britten (Mayor)

Work Less Party

The Work Less Party aims to reduce the standard work week from 40 hours to 32 hours. The party wants people to “work less, consume and waste less, and live more.” Other issues on the Work Less Party’s agenda include the environment, the arts, transit, crime, housing, and homelessness.

Candidates:

Betty Krawczyk (Mayor)

Ian Gregson (Councillor)

Chris Shaw (Councillor)

Geri Tramutola (Councillor)

Timothy Wisdom (Councillor)

Ivan Doumenc (Park Commissioner)

RELATED: Fringe parties ‘face uphill battle’