VTU members and guests attended our June general meeting hosted by the East Side Chapter, which convened on June 28th at noon. Here is a summarized version of the minutes.

Item 1 - Doors Open & Setup

Item 2 - Land Acknowledgement, Collective Agreements

Item 3 - Discussion on Disability & Access in the Union

• We began with an introduction about disability justice, especially how it compares to a disability rights framework. Rights are something that people in power can give you and take away, while justice fights for things that can’t be taken away: values, identity, and community power. We continued with breakout group conversations about our own accessibility needs and times that stood in the way of doing work we wanted to in the union. For comprehensibility purposes, all of what was discussed by the six breakout groups has been sorted into 5 distinct categories below. 
  
  
• Remote Access and Meeting Structure
  • Remote access is essential and increases participation, but tech issues (like bad sound/audio setup) often marginalize online attendees. Some members also find Zoom and Slack difficult or inaccessible due to digital literacy barriers.
  • Long meetings are not accessible to many, particularly those with chronic illness (especially if people aren’t masked), caregiving responsibilities, or limited energy. Several members were hesitant to attend this GM for that reason.
  • Suggestions included rotating meeting times, shortening meetings, and making remote access a baseline, not a ‘secondary’ option.
• Physical Space and Sensory Needs
  • Several members live with chronic illness, including pain, fatigue, cognitive and sensory sensitivity. These members emphasized that VTU learning about “pacing” would be a meaningful step toward inclusion.
  • A low-sensory respite room was suggested for longer meetings. This would offer a quiet space to rest, with reduced light and noise input. Even the option to lie down was mentioned as ideal.
  • Venue access matters: meetings should be near transit, with clear info about location, how to get in, lighting, noise levels, seating, and accessibility for mobility, hearing, or vision needs.
  • The Radical Access Mapping Project (RAMP), which used to audit venues across the city, was highlighted as something VTU could re-engage with to improve access transparency.
  • Supporting members struggling with hearing and seeing: do they have someone who can drive them to and from meetings? if no, then meeting spaces are inaccessible.
• Communication and Information Gaps
  • Many members struggle to keep up with union activities spread across chapters, working groups, Slack, and informal networks. Being “very active” is often the only way to stay informed, which excludes many disabled members from decision-making.
  • Communication ahead of meetings and actions is inconsistent. Members want clear info about event logistics ahead of time -including space size, lighting, duration, and participation expectations - so they can decide if they can attend.
  • A lack of context for agenda items or ongoing discussions also makes it harder for new or remote members to engage meaningfully. Explaining what’s being discussed and why would help.
  • Training - especially for chairs; providing materials and support.
• Welcoming Environment/Participation
  • New members often don’t know who to talk to or how to get involved. A point person or “buddy system” was suggested to reduce barriers and make the union more welcoming.
  • Some members shared excitement about contributing skills like theory, education, and outreach, but weren’t sure where or how to plug in.
  • One member appreciated learning about others’ access needs and wants those conversations to continue.
  • General Awareness of the circumstances, current situation, and needs of every member. One member shared insights on masking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Concern of meetings not being visible publicly - too behind closed doors/closed spaces.
• Culture, Values, and Accountability
  • Accessibility was described as something VTU must keep front of mind, not an afterthought in venues or planning. If not prioritized, the union risks burning people out or losing valuable contributions.
  • Caregiving duties also limit many people’s ability to participate. Accommodation for this should not be limited to childcare.
  • Multiple people emphasized the need to balance conflicting access needs with intention and care. Doing so can build stronger, more connected organizing.
  • “Redundancy is accessibility” was noted - spreading out tasks and leadership prevents burnout and supports sustainability.
  • Members want VTU to remain an open, visible activist space. Some felt meetings and processes are currently too closed-off or hard to access for the broader public.
  • Postering was cited as a “low barrier” activity, but one member pointed out that it still excludes those with mobility issues - highlighting that accessibility looks different for everyone.

Item 4 - Motion Discussions

• Intro to Motions
  • The GM chair opened the motions portion of the meeting by reaffirming the community agreement and outlining the procedure.
  • Voting was done using cards for in-person members and tracked online.

• Bill C-2 Statement Motion
  • A Steering member presented a motion to support the Migrant Rights Network’s petition opposing Bill C-2, federal legislation that threatens civil liberties and expands surveillance.
  • Although VTU crafted its own accompanying statement to explain its stance, this motion is on if the VTU wants to endorse a joint group statement written by Migrant Rights Network.
  • Broad agreement in the room and online.

• Motion for Vancouver Tenants Union to sign and support Migrant Rights Network’s petition against Bill C-2
  • VOTE: Motion passed
    
    
• Tenant Organizing Fund Motion
  • A member from Steering presented a motion to send a VTU representative to preliminary discussions about a National Tenant Organizing Fund.
  • The fund aims to support new tenant unions across the country.
  • Members welcomed the idea while raising thoughtful concerns around transparency, funding sources, and maintaining grassroots accountability.
  • A friendly amendment was adopted allowing Steering to appoint the rep, who will report back to the membership.
  • This motion is exploratory and does not commit VTU to ongoing participation at this time.
    
    
• Motion for Vancouver Tenants Union to send a representative for National Tenant Organizing Fund discussions
  • VOTE: Motion passed
    
    
• Accessibility & Disability Justice Motion
  • Presented by a West End member, this was a significant and much-discussed motion focused on strengthening accessibility and disability justice in the union.
  • Initially proposed as a bylaw change with an enforcement mechanism, the motion sparked a wide and reflective discussion.
  • Members expressed appreciation for the work done so far, while offering critiques around language, implementation, and tone.
  • Many emphasized the need to support disabled members without reinforcing overly rigid or punitive structures.
  • There were heavy edits to the motion, with key amendments including:
    • Keeping the accessibility checklist as a living document, not part of the bylaws.
    • Removing the reimbursement clause tied to compliance.
    • Clarifying VTU’s commitment to continue developing Accessibility and Disability Justice standards and mandate, to be carried out either by the Education and Outreach working group or a new Disability Justice and Accessibility Education working group, should one be established.
      
      
•  Motion to Adopt Accessibility Standards (living document) for the Vancouver Tenants Union 
  • VOTE: Motion Passed
    
    
• Despite the complexity of the debate, the amended motion passed with overwhelming support, with only one abstention and the rest in favour. While no explicit changes were made to the VTU bylaws, this motion hopefully begins what will be an ongoing conversation about accessibility in the union. Our goal is that this conversation will continue in chapters about what access needs are not being met, who’s unable to turn up to events/meetings that would like to, and to create a culture that directly challenges ableism within and without the union instead of allowing it to thrive. Housing Justice means justice for all!

Item 5 - Disability Justice/Accessibility Education Working Group - set aside from agenda due to time

Item 6 - Disability Income Assistance Rates - set aside from agenda due to time

Item 7 - End & Cleanup

Adjournment

Live minutes are recorded at each GM and condensed for the website. For more detailed minutes any member may contact us: [email protected]