I have known and admired Philippe Lucas for a number of years as a student, researcher, service provider and advocate active in the health and substance use arena in Victoria. He is a true leader and an inspiration to many for his selfless and pioneering work on such important projects as the Victoria Compassion Club and organizer of public forums concerned with addiction and harm reduction. Were he to be elected to the city council , I’m sure he has the energy, skill and vision to ensure both environmental and social concern issues are well represented in decisions about the future of Victoria.
Tim Stockwell, PhD
Director, Centre for Addictions Research of B.C.
University of Victoria
Co-Leader, Mental Health and Addictions Research Network
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Sonya Chandler has been an asset to council in her commitment to sustainability, her determination to see real change and her ability to represent those that are typically underrepresented. I think she and her co-candidate Philippe Lucas bring a unique and important perspective to the table, and they will be assets to a progressive Council in Victoria.
Denise Savoie, Victoria MP
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Philippe is intelligent and works incredibly hard. He is passionate about social justice and public policy, and has been engaged in his community by volunteering on several regional advisory boards and committees for the City of Victoria while somehow also working full-time, completing a Masters degree, and conducting research. He is a noted expert in harm reduction strategies, regularly called on to consult with all levels of government on this important area of public policy, which is, of course, critically important to the Victoria and the capital region at this time. Philippe will bring rigour and a capacity for thoughtful deliberation to Victoria Council, and will be an asset to the municipality and to the capital region as a whole. He has my unreserved support and endorsement.
Jane Sterk
Esquimalt Councillor
Leader, Green Party of BC
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I fully support Sonya Chandler being re-elected and Philippe Lucas being elected as Victoria city councillors. We face urgent issues, and we need leadership that is young, dynamic, visionary, and determined. I believe that Sonya and Philippe will give us this.
Guy Dauncey
Author, speaker, organizer.
Publisher of EcoNews since 199; co-founder of the Victoria Car Share Cooperative; founder of the BC Sustainable Energy Association
www.earthfuture.com
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Philippe Lucas is a strong advocate for and expert on sustainability, harm reduction, addictions and community involvement. He will bring new energy and a holistic approach to municipal governance. Philippe is a strong voice for community engagement, consultation and government accountability. As well Philippe will give Council a new perspective and expertise on issues related to homelessness, addictions and mental health.
Dean Fortin for Mayor-Victoria,
Lynn Hunter, Pam Madoff Candidates for Council - Victoria
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Philippe Lucas is the perfect candidate for Victoria’s city council. He is hardworking, compassionate and inclusive. Philippe has a wealth of experience working in the community and he brings intelligence and compassion to all of his work. He also has innovative solutions for housing, homelessness and environmental sustainability, all of which are sorely needed in Victoria right now.
Susan Boyd, PhD
Associate Professor – Studies in Policy and Practice
University of Victoria
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The fundamental question facing us in a democracy is what society we wish to create for ourselves and for future generations. How we answer that will define what policies we espouse. In supporting harm reduction, Philippe Lucas and Sonya Chandler are not only endorsing the most efficient, inexpensive and effective approach to drug addiction. They are also envisioning a society that is caring and compassionate towards people who have suffered far more than most of us can imagine and who are the most disenfranchised, ostracized and marginalized amongst our fellow citizens.
Gabor Maté, M.D.
Author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction
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Philippe Lucas cares about making Victoria a livable city for everyone. He has clear, practical ideas on addressing affordable and accessible housing, environmental sustainability, and safe streets.
Michael J. Prince, PhD
Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy
University of Victoria
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Philippe is smart and principled. He is committed to wise management of resources in support of a healthy community. He knows how to get things done and is willing to take risks for what he believes in.
Joel Solomon
CEO – Renewal
Chair – TIDES Foundation
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In the three years that I have known Philippe Lucas, he has been dedicated to improving the social, health and economic conditions in Victoria. He would be an excellent city councilor.
Dr. Scott Macdonald
Assistant Director
Center for Addictions Research of British Columbia
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I want to be on record that I support Philippe Lucas’ and Sonya Chandler’s candidacies for Victoria City Council. We need the vision of change that both these environmental people bring to our local politics. I am a local, downtown businessman and live the day to day aspects of street people and their affect on merchants. We need a change, but not a conservative heavy police action change but a liberal minded caring approach that creates lasting help. We also need improved inner city traffic control, with friendlier pedestrian and bicycle ways and greater public transit. Our air, water and earth are precious and I believe that Philippe and Sonya will be leaders in protecting these precious commodities in a “think global, act local” fashion.
Bill Finley
Owner of Hemp and Company and Shift Natural Fashion clothing boutiques
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Philippe is also endorsed by CUPE Local 50 and the Victoria Labour Council, COPE, the Conservation Voters of B.C., Monday Magazine, and Ben Isitt.