Questions raised about role of Vancouver mayor's adviser in controversial natural gas vote
Dan Fumano: The Vancouver mayor's office says they are confident senior staffer's role as director of private natural gas companies does not interfere with his work at city hall. Others have questions.
Vancouver's unexpected decision this summer to permit natural gas heating in new buildings resulted from behind-the-scenes discussions that included David Grewal, a senior adviser to Mayor Ken Sim and a director of two private natural gas companies.
The mayor’s office expressed confidence that Grewal’s business roles “do not in any way interfere with his duty at the city.”
However, some critics of the policy reversal believe Grewal should have recused himself from these discussions, which involved meeting with a registered lobbyist for Fortis, British Columbia's largest natural gas supplier.
Green Coun. Adriane Carr told Postmedia News, “It’s not even a question that he should have recused himself. There’s a lot of concern right now about people’s trust in politicians and government decisions, so in any case, you should err on the side of caution.”
Green Coun. Pete Fry also emphasized the need for public clarity on how Grewal’s outside business interests relate to his role in the mayor’s office, saying, “it’s incredibly important and appropriate.”
Vancouver’s code of conduct mandates that staff involved in outside employment or business activities ensure there is no conflict or perceived conflict with their official duties.
Aurora Faulkner-Killam, a municipal law expert, speaking generally, said that public employees have a duty to act in the best interest of their employer, while a company director must prioritize the company’s interests. She added, “A best practice is for individuals with holdings that have the potential to give rise to an appearance of conflict of interest to recuse themselves from participation in decisions, discussions, and engagement that could call their objectivity into question.”
Grewal declined an interview, and no one from the mayor’s office was available for comment. Mayor Sim’s chief of staff, Trevor Ford, responded to questions via email, stating, “We are confident that David’s roles with his businesses do not in any way interfere with his duty at the city.”
In July, the council’s decision to allow natural gas—approved by a narrow 6-5 vote—surprised the public, reversing a 2020 policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Wendy McNeil, acting CEO of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, praised the change as a “bold move” and “a game-changer for homebuilders.” However, environmentalists were dismayed. Brad Bedelt, the city's director of sustainability, warned that the decision could “set us back ... potentially tens of thousands of tonnes of GHGs.”
The reversal was initiated when Brian Montague, a councillor from the mayor's ABC party, introduced a motion without prior notice, instructing staff to amend bylaws to permit natural gas for heating and hot water in new buildings. Montague and other supporters argued that the change would accelerate housing construction and improve affordability.
In a rare occurrence, two ABC councillors, Lisa Dominato and Peter Meiszner, opposed the amendment, citing concerns about undermining the city’s climate goals. Despite their opposition, the amendment passed with support from the remaining ABC councillors and Sim, who cast the deciding vote remotely while on a family trip in Europe.
This was Sim's first public vote after missing over 70 votes during the prior three weeks. He joined the meeting by phone around 6:45 p.m., beginning his remarks with, “Good morning everyone. Or afternoon, or evening, or whatever time it is there.”
Three non-ABC councillors expressed shock at the rapid approval of such a significant policy change without extensive public discussion.
When asked about Grewal's role in the policy shift, Ford did not deny Grewal’s involvement but stated, “The mayor’s office supported Coun. Montague’s amendment, just as we do for any motion introduced by an ABC councillor.”
Grewal has been a close associate of Sim for years and became a senior adviser after Sim’s 2022 election victory. He earned $134,832 last year, making him the highest-paid staffer in the mayor's office, with $11,639 in expenses billed to the city.
Grewal previously ran for city council in 2018 alongside Sim when they were both with the Non-Partisan Association. While Sim narrowly lost the mayoral race, Grewal fell just short of securing a council seat.
A Vancouver Magazine profile described Grewal as a “longtime family friend” of Sim’s wife and noted that he serves as “the mayor’s eyes, ears, and voice when Sim is unavailable.”
Corporate records show Grewal is a director of two natural gas companies: Absolute Energy and Bluestream Energy.
