The Non-Partisan Association (NPA) is a civic-level electoral organization in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There are, and have also been in the past, Non-Partisan Association political parties in the nearby municipalities of Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey.
The NPA was established in 1937 to counteract the rise of the democratic socialist Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. The party is generally perceived as centre-right within the Vancouver political spectrum. Encompassing a broad coalition, it draws its strongest support from the business community and Vancouver's neighbourhoods on the west and south side.
Peter Ladner was the NPA's nominee for mayor in the 2008 Vancouver civic election on November 15, 2008, but lost to Gregor Robertson, the candidate for Vision Vancouver. The NPA's electoral platform suggested that an NPA government would focus on reducing crime, improving housing affordability, leveraging the 2010 Winter Olympics, protecting the environment, advancing the city's arts and culture sector, and working collaboratively with senior levels of government, community groups, and the private sector. The campaign emphasized the importance of experience and fiscal prudence during an economically tumultuous time.
The party, led by Suzanne Anton as the NPA candidate for mayor, once again lost to Robertson and Vision Vancouver in the 2011 Vancouver civic election on November 19, 2011, but elected two members to the city council.
Read more about Non-Partisan Association: Philosophy, Early Years, Electoral Success
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