Yesterday (July 4), former NDP MP Libby Davies issued a statement endorsing Stewart, who is running as an independent and who is also a former NDP MP. “Kennedy has the experience, knowledge and skills to unite a majority of voters around progressive policies that put people first,” Davies said in a statement published on Stewart’s campaign website. “If you care about affordable housing, protecting our environment, restoring faith in city hall, or tackling the opioid crisis, Kennedy is the best person to lead city council and take on the big challenges facing Vancouver.” Davies represented Vancouver East in the House of Commons from 1997 until she retired from federal politics in 2015. Before that, she served as a member of Vancouver city council with the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) from 1982 to 1993. Her record of advocacy for drug-policy reform, human rights for sex workers, and affordable housing earned her a reputation as a champion of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.