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Jordan Reichert is a community, animal, environmental, and social justice advocate born and raised in Victoria, B.C. Having run previously in the 2015 federal election for the Animal Protection Party of Canada, and in the 2017 provincial election as an independent, Reichert has decided to run for municipal council in Victoria after receiving overwhelming support from the community.
“In the previous elections I ran in, voters from all over the political spectrum said they would support me if I ran for municipal council. I’m here to take them up on that.”
Reichert works two jobs, one for over a decade as a mental health and addictions worker, and the other for the Animal Alliance of Canada as an animal advocate. Reichert said his decision to run in municipal politics was based on the need to bring inspired politics to Victoria.
“I want to inspire and empower people and communities by offering them a completely new way of doing politics. I want to be Victoria’s first authentic multi-issue candidate.”
Reichert has worked on many issues in the community to support both people and animals. He is the co-founder of the Vancouver Island Vegan Association which promotes veganism and organizes Vegtoria Veg Fest in the community, co-founder and organizer of Pets OK BC, which advocates for pet friendly housing across BC, and founder of the Victoria Horse Alliance. He has also volunteered with Basic Income Victoria, the BC SPCA, Every Step Counts, and the NEED Crisis Help Line.
Reichert said he is often asked what he means by the term “animal inclusive politics,” which he came up with.
“It is common sense to some degree, but it is seldom considered by politicians. When we make decisions in the community, they are often made in isolation, as if only people are affected by them. In truth, other animals are also affected by public policy, so they need representation on these issues and that is where I am bringing something new to the table.”
When Reichert considers the actions of municipalities such as Oak Bay who killed eleven deer at a tremendous cost and division in the community, Saanich who has held their own culls, Parksville who killed 484 geese, and View Royal who had a 0ver 100 rabbits on the Helmcken overpass for years, not to mention Victoria’s horse carriages, it is the animals who lose out when they don’t have genuine representation on city councils.
“The reality is that animals are exploited, abused, and killed when local governments have no guidance from animal advocates on how to create evidence-based, compassionate, and animal inclusive public policy. I want to change that.”
This is embedded as part of Reichert’s campaign for a “compassionate Victoria.” He says that the idea of compassionate politics is something that started with his animal advocacy and work supporting those struggling with addictions and mental health issues, but extends to how we engage with everyone in the community.
“I want people to feel heard and that they have been treated with respect when they engage with city council. That they believe decisions have been made with due process and that the decision that is being made is what is best for their community, not just personal interest or ideology.”
He also said while his animal inclusive platform stands out for giving representation to animals, his full platform will address affordability, housing, poverty, addictions and mental health, environmental protection, community retention, inclusivity, and respectful development.
Reichert will be making his candidacy announcement August 1st at 5pm outside City Hall.
Candace Park
Victoria Animal News
With best wishes to Jordan Reichert for his enlightened views and success in elections. If only others would take a similar stand in other countries.