WHO WE ARE
A global movement of local governments and community partnersICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Our Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.
As an association
We connect and foster leadership by bringing together urban sustainability professionals for shared learning, inspiration and collaboration.
As a movement
We accelerate action by running programs and campaigns that help local governments advance their sustainability activities and achieve meaningful results.
As an agency
We provide a gateway to solutions specifically for local government practitioners; via a wide variety of innovative tools, targeted resources, and fruitful partnerships.
Governance
As a membership organization, ICLEI is governed by and for its membership. ICLEI Canada’s Board is a body of local sustainability practitioners from across the country. They represent engaged and active ICLEI members committed to advancing the field of sustainability at the local government level. The Board helps drive the organization strategically and ensures that ICLEI’s value to its members continues to meet and exceed expectations. Canada is represented in our global governance structure through the North American Regional Executive Committee.
History
ICLEI was founded in 1990 as the ‘International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.’ The organization was established when more than 200 local governments from 43 countries convened at our inaugural conference, the World Congress of Local Governments for a Sustainable Future, at the United Nations in New York. In 2003, the ‘International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’ became ‘ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability’ with a broader mandate to address all sustainability issues. Activities specific to the Canadian region started in 1993 with the Ontario Municipal Energy Collaborative (OMEC) project, which was expanded into a non-profit, fee-for-service consulting unit called ICLEI Energy Services (IES) in 1995. In 2003, ICLEI’s global Executive Committee expanded the IES mandate to become ICLEI’s country office for Canada. As a country office, Canadian staff were able to provide a much broader level of support to Canadian ICLEI Members and more diversified sustainability initiatives.
Land acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that ICLEI Canada’s work happens across Turtle Island which has traditionally been and is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples since time immemorial. We recognize that reconciliation is a fundamental component to building net-zero resilient communities. We are committed to strengthening relationships with Indigenous groups and knowledge keepers, knowing that reconciliation requires ongoing learning, unlearning, reflection, and action. We endeavour to listen to and learn from Indigenous Peoples on an ongoing basis in the process of our work.
Our offices
Main office (Toronto)
iclei-canada@iclei.org
Suite 204
401 Richmond St. W
Toronto, ON
M5V 3A8
ICLEI Canada’s main office is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Annishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
British Columbia office
bc.office@iclei.org
ICLEI Canada’s British Columbia office is located on the homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt People.
Quebec Office
bureau.quebec@iclei.org
ICLEI Canada’s Quebec office is located on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka/Mohawk Nation, a place that has long served as a gathering site for many First Nations.
Join our email list to receive the latest news and updates, and to learn about upcoming events and opportunities.
Reach us
iclei-canada@iclei.org
Suite 204
401 Richmond St. W
Toronto, ON
M5V 3A8
We respectfully acknowledge that ICLEI Canada’s work happens across Turtle Island which has traditionally been and is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples since time immemorial.