Ben and his daughter Aviva enjoying the outdoors
I was elected as a City Councillor and Regional Director in November 2011, on the promise to make city operations public, open and cost-effective and contribute to a fair, safe and green Victoria.
Born in Winnipeg, I have lived in Victoria for the past two decades.
Professionally, I have a background in history, law and journalism. I hold a PhD and an LLB and have written two books that challenge how we think about BC politics and Canadian history, From Victoria to Vladivostok and Militant Minority. I have taught as a professor at UVic and UBC and completed research for non-profit organizations including the BC Centre for Co-operative and Community-Based Economy and West Coast Environmental Law, the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and private-sector clients. I gained valuable hands-on experience with Victoria’s street community as a Housing Support Worker with the Victoria Cool Aid Society. I have travelled to more than 50 countries for work and recreation and shared research at international conferences in North America, Europe and Asia.
Ben Isitt – Historian, Author, Community Advocate
As a volunteer, I have a decade and a half of experience “thinking globally and acting locally,” devoting time to community projects from urban agriculture and green space protection to worker rights, housing advocacy, anti-racism, and peace work. I have served on the Federal Council of the New Democratic Party of Canada and gained valuable local government experience on the City of Victoria’s Environment and Shoreline Advisory Committee and as a runner-up for Victoria’s mayoralty in 2002 and 2005 (attracting 44% of ballots cast). I have policy experience working with the University of Victoria’s Housing and Homelessness Research Working Group.
As a father, I have chosen to make my home in Victoria. I have lived and operated a sole proprietorship in Fernwood and Quadra-Hillside, gaining valuable insight into the challenges facing our inner-city neighbourhoods and the potential for vibrant “village centres” when local enterprise is fused with positive community action.
I count myself among the optimists who believe that a better world — and city — is necessary and possible.
View my resumé
View my professional website
