Dear Supporters, (*Click the link at the top of this page to view the previous petition with 398 supporters.)

First, I want to apologize for my silence over the past 8 months. During this time, I realized that the only way to bring meaningful change to the UNA is from within, with the right board of directors.

From last October to early March, I was deeply engaged with the UNA, focusing on its budgeting and spending practices. My efforts included presenting findings at the October 2023 board meeting, exchanging dozens of emails with UNA leadership, and meeting with the president Richard Watson and financial committee chair Bill Holmes. To gain additional context, I interviewed two former CAOs and two Vancouver Park Board directors. Over 100 hours went into reviewing financial and annual reports from 2006 to 2023 and consolidating the data into a detailed analysis.

Despite this effort, nearly all 20 specific issues I raised were denied. This prompted me to launch this petition, which garnered your support, and publish an article in Campus Residents to raise awareness. 

Just give you one example: on October 17, I, along with about 20 residents, attended a board meeting where the UNA approved a $70,000 expenditure for the Hawthorn Community Garden replacement on a single quote. This raised a red flag for me regarding the procurement process, as I would expect competitive bidding for such projects. When I raised this concern, the finance manager, Athena Koon, replied on February 26th, stating:

“For the Hawthorn Community Garden replacement project that you specifically reference, the UNA sought out multiple quotes and decided on one that would provide the best value.”

Yet, only two days later, after I insisted that I did witness this case with 20 residents at the Oct. board meeting, the new CAO, Paul Thorkelsson, admitted:

“You have rightly pointed out that this was a project that was approved by the UNA Board that did not have multiple formal quotes as part of its consideration.”

This type of inconsistency and lack of transparency is, frankly, unacceptable. I’m not sure how many residents have provided such an in-depth analysis to UNA in the past, but my experience shows that it remains challenging to have these voices heard. I believe most of the UNA team truly cares about serving the community. But why, then, do such issues persist? Here are my thoughts:

1. UNA’s Nonprofit Structure: As an NGO primarily funded by levy fees, there is little incentive to operate with the same financial diligence as a for-profit organization. Spending can become too easy when funds are granted rather than earned.
2. Agency Risk: Without effective oversight, there is a risk of mismanagement or misuse of resources.
3. Board Limitations: UNA’s board members are part-time volunteers, which makes it challenging to scrutinize financial details—particularly in areas requiring specialized expertise.

Based on these observations, I would like to suggest a few actions that could help improve UNA’s financial governance:

1. Establish Financial Controls: Set clear, enforceable financial policies. In our strata council, any project exceeding $3,000 requires at least two quotes, and larger projects, such as LED replacements or EV infrastructure upgrades, require three quotes at a minimum. Similar rules would enhance UNA’s accountability.
2. Create a Financial Compliance Team: Either through a third-party auditor or a team of resident volunteers, establish a finance compliance team to review significant expenditures. Independent oversight can bring objectivity and further strengthen transparency.
3. Collaborate with Strata Councils: Establish closer connections with our community’s strata councils, where many experienced professionals already serve. By sharing ideas and resources, UNA could benefit from their expertise and make more informed financial decisions. I am part of a social media group that includes nearly 20 buildings and 64 council members. We share valuable information and resources, from insurance policies to EV-ready contractors, which I have found extremely beneficial.
4. Foster Partnerships: Collaborate with city-owned CC associations to share resources, reduce purchase expenses, and exchange experiences for mutual benefit. The presidents of 17 of the 27 community centers in Vancouver meet monthly in an organization called the Association Presidents Group.

Now, as we approach the UNA board elections, I urge you to vote for candidates who demonstrate a sense of urgency for change, private sector experience, and expertise in finance and operations. Your vote can help ensure the right leaders are in place to drive the changes we all want to see. The 2024 UNA Board of Directors election is scheduled to run from November 4 to 26. Find more details at https://www.myuna.ca/elections/. 

Lastly, during my research, I came across an old photo of the UNA team at the opening ceremony of the Old Barn Community Center in 2006. Although the neighborhood was smaller back then, community engagement was notably high. I was also moved by the words of Brian Collins in his presentation "How We Govern Ourselves Day to Day," from the 2007 UNA Annual Report.

Thank you again for supporting this petition. Now is the time to push forward and make a difference.

Warm regards,

Brad Chen

P.S. 

"They are a collection of residents who share common views about issues in their areas and they lobby for those views with their municipality-Vancouver. These associations receive no funding from Vancouver. They receive no staff from Vancouver. They raise their own funding any way they can. The UNA is dramatically different from all those neighbourhood associations. The University gives the UNA municipal-like powers and responsibilities. The University provides virtually all monies that we spend. The UNA has the capacity to make the critical municipal-like decisions that affect us. The Directors believe that this model is far preferable to the previous model where the University made the decisions. The existing model does not give the residents all the power of a municipal government, but it does give us real power that we are able to use to benefit the neighbours."

-- Brain Collins on How we govern ourselves day to day, 2007 UNA Annual Report.