The Victoria Pride Society strongly urges City of Victoria voters to vote against Vancouver Island Voters Association (VIVA)-associated candidates in the 2022 municipal election. As we work to build more inclusive communities for gender, sexuality and relationship diverse (GSRD) people, the statements and beliefs of many VIVA candidates stand in direct opposition to this vision that is shared by most Victoria voters.

During election season, residents face important decisions for their communities and can vote for individuals who best represent their values. We have a societal duty to elect our leaders and we have the opportunity to continue building a more inclusive city for all. As the Victoria Pride Society, we are proud to amplify the voices of the gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse communities and all marginalized people of the Greater Victoria area. 

It is for these reasons that we are deeply concerned about VIVA and its respective candidates.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has described VIVA members as engaging in homophobic conspiracies. The social media history of one VIVA candidate alleges a “pro homosexual” new world order conspiracy while others regularly post transphobic messages. Jeremy Maddock, another VIVA candidate, wrote a letter to Monday Magazine alleging that Nazis “might just serve a useful purpose” and Victoria society should tolerate fascist ideological beliefs. VIVA’s official platforms are littered with dog whistle terms widely used within far-right circles, such as claiming our classrooms are full of “ideological indoctrination and division.”

It is clear from these and other examples that VIVA—and its candidates—do not align with the values that the voters of Greater Victoria share. 

Voters should be able to spot these candidates for Victoria City Council and School District 61 on their ballots as VIVA candidates are clearly marked. We urge voters to do their research and select council candidates who will support an inclusive city and school board trustee candidates who support sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education being available in the classroom.