Origins
Originally formed as the "Committee of Progressive Electors", COPE was formed in 1968, when a number of left-wing community groups and social justice organizations joined with the city's Labour Council to organize more effectively against the Non-Partisan Association (NPA)—a centre-right political party that had dominated civic politics in Vancouver. Frank Kennedy of the Vancouver & District Labour Council and Harry Rankin, an outspoken lawyer and city councillor, were key figures in shaping the coalition, along with activists from the British Columbia New Democratic Party and the Communist Party of British Columbia. COPE is generally guided by social-democratic principles, and has a long history of championing issues like improving public transit and investing in affordable housing.
Read more about this topic: Coalition Of Progressive Electors
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