- Education BSc Chemistry, MBA Public Administration
- In Victoria 23 years
- Community 16 years, James Bay Neighbourhood Association Board
- Role Victoria City Councillor
Meet Marg Gardiner
Experienced, principled, and committed to the Victoria community she has called home for over 23 years.
Marg was raised in rural Saskatchewan. Her sense of, and respect for, public service and community stems from her small-town prairie roots.
Politics is in her blood. Her grandfather was twice Premier of Saskatchewan. After moving to federal politics, he was Canada's longest serving Minister of Agriculture.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) degree, Marg left Saskatchewan to take up employment with the federal government in regulatory enforcement (Food & Drugs Act and Product Safety). After leaving the federal public service, Marg obtained a M.B.A. (Public Management) and worked for the Solicitor General of Alberta.
After moving to Victoria, Marg and her husband worked on economic and regulatory issues, through their company BriMar Consultants Ltd.
As a community activist, Marg became involved in municipal and civic affairs, including land use, infrastructure, zoning and development projects, green space and environmental protection, including air quality.
Marg's family includes her two children, Tim and Kate, their partners and four grandchildren. She is running to ensure that Victoria is a vibrant, prosperous and accessible city for years to come.
In Her Own Words
I don’t take money from developers.
— Marg GardinerI declined the salary increases that City Councillors granted themselves.
— Marg GardinerI consider my work on City Council to be community service.
— Marg GardinerMy votes are based on facts and consultation, not ideology.
— Marg GardinerI look for collaborative solutions to Victoria’s many problems.
— Marg GardinerI stand against the secrecy behind so much of what City Council does.
— Marg GardinerAs a City Councillor, I have championed long-term therapeutic pathways for those experiencing mental health challenges, addiction and homelessness.
— Marg Gardiner
A tireless advocate for a better Victoria.
How Marg Works
Marg brings evidence-based analysis and an administrator's rigour to every decision. She reads the reports, attends the meetings, and does the work — not for recognition, but because Victoria deserves a Councillor who treats the role as community service, not a career stepping stone.
She is not afraid to be the lone voice in the room. In a city council that sometimes votes 8 to 1, Marg has consistently stood on principle — opposing defunding the police, challenging the Province's drug policies, and voting against unchecked densification that destabilises neighbourhoods.
Community Members Who Stand With Marg
Marg has been a strong and independent voice for safe streets and livable neighbourhoods. Her humane approach to assisting those with substance use and mental health challenges is needed on Council.
I’ve known Marg for 15 years, working with her on projects. As a Councillor, she delves into issues and provides a thoughtful community voice to Council.
I’ve never known a Councillor who works harder than Marg, nor one who has been as forthcoming with information . . . I am grateful for both.
Marg listens and then acts and votes for what she thinks is right . . . I find her an important voice of considered reason at a time when common sense seems sorely lacking.
Marg has the humanistic approach with wisdom and insight to make effective decisions. For 10 years she has supported our social and life skills work with vulnerable street-involved people.
You can count on Marg to bring reason to the table, making decisions based on her knowledge of the subject, supporting facts, and community input.
Marg is and has always been a dedicated and hard-working servant to her constituents. I have no hesitation to recommend Marg’s re-election to the city of Victoria Council.
Marg is attentive, knowledgeable, and independent. As the Council representative for my neighbourhood, I have listened to her closely . . . we need Marg Gardiner on Council.
When our community was dealing with real issues, Marg showed up. She walked the neighbourhood, met directly with impacted businesses, and did it more than once. She’s been transparent, accountable, and honest throughout — that kind of effort goes above and beyond, and it matters.
Want to add your name? Get in touch — Marg would be honoured to hear from you.
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