By: Earth Charter Friends of Canada
The City of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada, endorsed the Earth Charter
this past June. The City mayor indicated that the “Charter’s key principles of global interdependence, sustainability and peaceful coexistence
are all shared values held by the City of Victoria… The Charter further aligns with the goals and vision we have for our city, and reflects the imagination and innovation that characterizes Victoria as a sustainable capital.”
This endorsement was a result of democratic and collaborative processes between the Faith in Action Committee and Councillors of the City of Victoria, with strong support from the community. The process took place over several months and is an inspiring example of what can happen when a small group of people choose to act.
Faith in Action Committee organized campaigns to raise 
awareness and support for the Earth Charter. An information session with Elizabeth May and Gerben van Straaten, Earth Charter Affiliate, introduced the Earth Charter to the local community and explored how to implement it in cities.
A petition was circulated to call on local governments to endorse the core principles of (1) respect and care for the community of life; (2) ecological integrity; (3) social and economic justice; and (4) democracy, non-violence and peace.
The committee then presented the mayor and councillors with the petition and asked for their endorsement. It was a natural fit for the city, and they were supportive with two councillors choosing to work with Faith in Action through the rest of the democratic process.
With this endorsement, the City of Victoria joins a large number of other cities, communities and organizations around the world who are committed who embrace the spirit and aims of the Earth Charter.
Click here to read the official letter of endorsement of the City of Victoria, British Columbia.
