These are some of the many endorsements Marianne has received.
"I’m thrilled to provide my support and endorsement of Marianne Alto for Mayor of Victoria," James says in a prepared written endorsement.
"I have had the privilege of living in our city for almost my entire life. I am proud of the place we call home, and our shared commitment that all our citizens should have the opportunity to be engaged and involved in our neighbourhoods, and in the day-to-day life of our city. We know that to truly make that a reality, there is a great deal of hard work ahead.
"That’s why I believe Marianne is the right choice for Mayor. Co-operation, working together, listening, and learning from each other are core to this work, and core to Marianne’s leadership. I have seen first-hand her ability to make sound decisions, manage through difficult issues, and most importantly, always treat everyone with respect."
"These are challenging times as we look to the future. Whether housing or climate action, supporting our local businesses or action on reconciliation, being a leader with our local and regional economy or community safety and security, a strong team, led by a strong Mayor will be critical to our success" James' endorsement continues.
"Marianne brings the skills necessary to get that job done! She has the experience and expertise to face the challenges ahead, to work with her council colleagues, neighbourhoods, business and not for profit sectors, and our citizens to ensure Victoria is a warm, welcoming, progressive community; inclusive, vibrant, and thriving.
"Marianne knows how to find solutions to complex issues. She has shown her commitment to Victoria through her time spent as a councillor, getting the hard work done regardless of who gets the credit.
"As a proud Victorian, I put my support with Marianne to strengthen and build the city we all want."
"I'm very pleased to have this opportunity to endorse Marianne Alto as candidate for Mayor of Victoria."
Carole James
Former BC Finance Minister, Deputy Premier, and MLA for Victoria
I support Marianne Alto for Mayor!
For the past decade, it has been a priority for Songhees Nation to engage with local governments in Lekwungen Territory. It's not always easy to find common ground and we are not always met with respect and understanding.
Anyone who has met Marianne will agree, she listens with an effort to understand. We feel heard by Marianne. She builds relationships based on empathy, respect and humility.
Marianne understands that reconciliation is important to Victoria. The sea of orange shirts on September 30 was a moving reflection that Victorians want to build a better future with us. We call it Natsemaht, we are all One.
I encourage voters to choose Marianne for Mayor, so we can continue our important work, as One.
Chief Ron Sam
Songhees Nation
Marianne embodies the values of those of us who care about making Victoria a city that works for everyone.
We all need the support of a strong, effective mayor to protect the progress we have made and ensure Victoria is a model city for the future and a leader in our region. A city that adapts to our changing needs. A city that makes headway on providing affordable housing for workers and their families. A city that is acting now to make its contribution to addressing climate change. A city that is moving away from the car and providing other mobility choices, A city that leads reconciliation with our indigenous neighbours and welcomes their contribution. And a city that attracts the right kind of business and keeps us on a strong economic footing.
I have known Marianne for 30 years. She is a progressive, informed and experienced councillor who will make a progressive, informed and experienced mayor. She is a good listener, a balanced thinker and she excels at bringing people together to find common ground, We need all of that in our mayor at this volatile time. I have full confidence that Marianne is that Mayor. I look forward to seeing her in that role. Please vote."
Catherine Holt,
Former CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
My endorsement of Marianne Alto is based on my experiences as an urban Indigenous person, artist, member of the City Reconciliation Family, and as a homeowner and taxpayer in this city. Whether I am serving beside, or watching from afar, I have come to know Marianne as a thoughtful person whose words are always supported by her actions. She as a humble leader, who listens and learns from those around her, steadily making space for new perspectives. I trust Marianne for the way that she applies her principles across issues and across difference, because I know that, even in disagreement, her decisions are deeply considered and grounded in a respectful way of being. I will vote for Marianne Alto, because I know that she will continue to balance the diverse needs of our community, respecting the past, honouring the present, and taking responsibility for the future.
Gilakas’la
Carey Newman – Hayalthkin’geme – OBC MSM
Kwakwaka’wakw & Coast Salish Artist
"It is with great honor and gratitude that I have the opportunity to endorse Marianne Alto as candidate for Mayor of Victoria.
I have gotten to know Marianne the past six years while being a part of the City of Victoria Family group. Though it has only been six years it feels as though I've known her longer, this in itself shows that Marianne has a warmth around her that welcomes people with ease and kindness. Not only this but Marianne walks with what we say in our Lekwungen language Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen, a good heart and a good mind.
I have no doubt that Marianne brings a vision of progress, but also understands the needs of Victoria and how to make things happen in a good way. There are many words I could use to describe Marianne such as grounded, respectful, community minded, ambitious, honest and these are a few of the many qualities that I have seen Marianne show in and outside of community.
I have all the confidence that Marianne will make the best choice on our Lekwungen Lands, the Place to smoke herring, of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, as Mayor of the city of Victoria. With no doubt in my mind or heart I happily endorse my friend and collogue Marianne Alto."
"With gratitude."
Brianna Bear
Artist, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Songhees representative for City of Victoria family group & Mama Bear
I offer my wholehearted support for Marianne Alto as Mayor of Victoria. When I served as Mayor, I worked with Marianne as a Council member where I watched her unparalleled ability to bring a balanced, conciliatory, and well-researched approach to difficult issues. She brings 12 years experience as a Councillor – a tremendous asset that allows a smooth transition to Mayoral responsibilities. She is highly competent, compassionate and committed to our City. I can think of no better person to lead Victoria City Council in positive and productive debates that keep the interests of Victorians squarely in focus.
Dean Fortin, Mayor of Victoria, 2008 to 2014
"I have known Marianne for about 25 years either chairing organizations, volunteering and in recent years as a city councillor. In that time, I have had a chance to appreciate her considerable leadership skills - demonstrated by solid judgement and an ability to bring people of differing opinions together. This is more important than ever, these days! What impresses me most about Marianne is her ability to get beyond her personal perspectives and see where the public interest lies. She is not ego driven; she understands public service. As a person who will soon be returning to Victoria after a hiatus of a few years, these are the qualities I would like our Mayor to have."
Denise Savoie,
Former Victoria City Councillor and Member of Parliament
"The role of Mayor in a city with such diverse challenges as Victoria requires courage, collaboration, listening, priority-setting and informed decision-making - leading to direct action. As advocates for a strong business community, we have seen Marianne demonstrate those leadership skills, along with independent thinking and careful consideration of all points of view. We believe that Marianne is the best person to take on the role of Mayor."
Fran & Barry Hobbis
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Marianne Alto in a number of capacities, particularly in or with Indigenous communities, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and urban Indigenous peoples and initiatives. It is so clear to me that Marianne values relationship, diversity, trust and inclusion. She does more than talk about these values. She takes action to make them come alive so that they benefit community and people. Marianne is patient, incredibly hardworking, and insightful. She keeps her word; her heart and hands are generous. She will make a great mayor.”
Janice Simcoe (Ojibwe)
Urban Indigenous community leader and (recently retired) post-secondary educator
“I am proud to endorse Marianne Alto for Mayor of the City of Victoria. I have known and respected Marianne in her many leadership roles over decades, but worked with her most closely on regional issues in our roles as Councillors in the Capital Region. Marianne is intelligent, respectful, and principled. She can bring diverse people together to find common ground and achieve results. I know that as the next Mayor of Victoria, Marianne will put her collaborative, compassionate leadership skills to good use to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Michelle Kirby, former Oak Bay Councillor 2011-2018
“Marianne is a tireless community leader who I have had the privilege of working with, both as a friend of over 30 years, and as a fellow member of the 2SLGBTQIA community. As a fellow gay politician who has been bravely out her whole time in politics, Marianne is and has been beacon for my community. As a friend, colleague, and Member of Parliament I am proud to endorse Marianne Alto for Mayor of Victoria.”
Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament
Esquimalt, Saanich, Sooke
“In the many years I have worked to support the dignity and human rights of those most readily discarded by our society, I have known Marianne Alto to be there too. While we work in different spheres, Marianne shows up to support our work and speaks passionately about why we must all work towards a more just and equitable society. Marianne has the experience and the ability to be one of Victoria’s greatest Mayors, and this city will be a lesser place, and we will take a step backwards, if Marianne is not voted in as our Mayor. Marianne can help us all move forward together, and it is vital to those most marginalized that, on October 15th, we ensure a win for Marianne Alto.”
Shane Calder
Harm Reduction Activist
"As a Victoria City Councillor, Marianne Alto has been a proactive ally to trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (Trans+) people in the city of Victoria. She has been a leader in moving the Victoria city government forward toward greater inclusion for Trans+ people in city policies and practices."
Aaron Devor
Chair in Transgender Studies, University of Victoria.
"I whole heartily endorse Marianne Alto for Mayor of Victoria. Whenever I have needed assistance with a City issue or have questions relating bylaws or concerns, I can count on Marianne to help get information or assistance promptly. We need a person who cares, who delivers, who will answer questions honestly and has the knowledge to handle the responsibility of Mayor, having served as a City Councillor for years. We need a Mayor who will listen to both sides of the issues and make decisions based on what has been presented to her. She has worked with all levels of government which will help our City function to the levels important to sustain and improve the wellbeing of its citizens. I encourage everyone to support Marianne Alto for Mayor on October 15, 2022."
Alice Ross, resident Burnside Gorge
"My cab driver the other night said Marianne seemed reasonable. I think she’s reasonable too. Reasonable in the face of difficulty. Reasonable in the face of differing opinions. Reasonable in the face of conflict. Reasonable in her vision for the city and in her willingness to work with all parties. She’s reasonable about finances, expectations and possibilities. We are in a difficult time in a city that can’t keep up to the demands for shelter and housing, for care for the environment, for the arts and for growth. The needs of Indigenous people, young people, the elderly, renters, home owners, business owners, working people and families have to be considered. Marianne is reasonable. She will balance all these demands, and be friendly and cheerful and well prepared at the same time! I say, “Marianne for Mayor!”"
Evelyn Battell, Fairfield
"I enthusiastically support Marianne Alto’s bid for the mayor's chair in the City of Victoria. Our paths first crossed in 2015 as a result of our shared interest in more effective responses to the continuing housing crisis in Victoria. I have long believed that most of the seemingly intractable problems we face as a society are thrust upon municipal governments – homelessness, gentrification, densification, the opioid crisis on our streets, transportation infrastructure, security, climate change, public space and more. These difficult problems are intensified in our cities, and they have a profound effect on competing rights. Our municipal governments are the front lines of these critical decisions. Under such circumstances, we need tested leadership. Marianne has that and more. Along with pragmatism, we need empathy in city hall – a mayor who can find opportunities and solutions while faced with limited resources, who can work successful with communities, and with senior levels of government. Marianne has that gift which is why I wholeheartedly supported her successful run for Council and now her candidacy for the Mayor’s Chair."
Graeme Bristol
Executive Director, Centre for Architecture & Human Rights
"For 18 years I’ve been witness to Marianne Alto’s honesty and dedication to our community. She has a fine legal mind, history of human rights work, and long experience crafting policy and legislation. She follows through on her promises and gets stuff done.
I've watched Marianne handle difficult public consultations and chair impossible meetings with warmth and a steady hand. People feel heard and grounded in her presence. Marianne does her homework. She thinks hard and in detail about tough issues. Her kindness, humour and obvious enjoyment of the challenges of governing are the icing on the cake. All these attributes are critical for a mayor, who has to set the tone and standard for civil discourse and thoughtful decision-making. I very much hope Victoria will support Marianne and be lucky enough to have her as Mayor."
Jessica Van der Veen
Actor, Writer, Director, & Acting Coach
"Our first connection with Marianne was over 25 years ago through Victoria's Twin Cities. She has a great understanding of various cultures and was able to make a big difference in the City's relationship with the twin cities. This continues today through her important work in Reconciliation with our First Nation's neighbours.
Marianne’s two sons have been fortunate to have a Mother who has been so supportive of their lives and careers.
In her years as Councillor for the City, she has always shown a wonderful ability to calmly assess the many varied aspects presented to the Council and come up with a thoughtful and measured response. Victoria has many current and future challenges and the City would be fortunate to have someone of Marianne's background in the Mayor’s chair."
Maureen and Robin Applewhaite
Cook Street Village
"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Marianne for many years. Without reservation I believe she will make a fabulous mayor for Victoria.
Marianne brings many strengths to the table. She has the ability to bring people together with her energy, wide range of skills and essential good humour. She is compassionate, generous with her time and a terrific listener.
When, as Chair of the Board at the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, I reached out for help with the writing of constitution and policy, Marianne was there and has continued to support the work of this small but vital nonprofit.
Fair, knowledgeable, a tireless worker with a deep understanding of municipal governance combine to make Marianne your best choice for Mayor."
Michael Hayes
BCTF Lifetime Member
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient
IDHHC Lifetime Membership recipient
Proud to call Marianne my friend
"I’m happy to support Marianne for Victoria Mayor. Marianne is dedicated to community in a way which reflects my own values – compassionate, responsible (financially and inherently) and totally involved. She is someone upon whom you can count to do the things that matter to Victoria’s residents. Marianne cares and acts on that caring thoughtfully and responsibly. She’s demonstrated, through multiple terms at the council table, the ability to create a calm, inclusive realm in which heated debate can safely find a collective solution. That’s the kind of mayor I want. Thank you, Marianne, for once again being willing to serve our community."
Patricia Stockton, long time Victoria resident, North Jubilee
Former provincial government assistant deputy minister, former Victoria Police Board member, President Pro Patria Legion