The following report presents responses from federal candidates running in Cambridge. If you have questions about this report, please contact rcc-chair@yourwrrc.ca
Candidates’ Contact Information
Bryan May (Liberal) – Bryan.May@parl.gc.ca
Sunny Attwal (Conservative) – info@sunnyattwal.ca
Scott Hamilton (NDP) – scott@scotthamiltoncambridge.ca
Michele Braniff (Green) – michele.braniff@greenparty.ca
David M. Haskell (PPC) – dhaskell@wlu.ca
About the NDP Response
The NDP team released a response to our questions on behalf of all federal candidates. This is attached as Appendix A.
NDP Candidate for Cambridge Scott Hamilton’s team also provided a Francophone response that addresses the NDP’s stance on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. This is attached as Appendix B.
About the Liberal Response
The Liberal team released a response to our questions on behalf of all federal candidates. This is attached as Appendix C.
Working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
What do you believe are the most critical issues for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community? If elected, how would you work with the local community to address these issues?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
I would have thought that in 2019, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community would be totally and unconditionally accepted in Canada. However, discrimination and systemic barriers continue and Canadians continue to rely on the advocacy and the voices of allies with respect to rights and barrier-free participation in areas which should be welcoming for all residents. I was recently at an event at Cambridge City Hall and was surprised to hear survey results that classrooms at the public and secondary school level are not safe enough; that there are places in Cambridge where it is still “not safe” or feels unsafe to be out; and that bullying remains an issue. The survey included other disturbing examples of discrimination, bullying and barrier to full and safe citizen participation. I think there are issues for public education to continue to nurture a welcoming and kind community, for all vulnerable people but especially for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The law makes discrimination a human rights issue but people facing discrimination need a welcoming community with lots of allies and changes to workplaces so this Region has lots of “upward room for improvement” to ensure that actual living conditions measure up to legal human rights requirements.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
I think currently, in many areas, the community is being overtaken by a fringe group of highly radical members who are seeking to force their own version of ideological orthodoxy on everyone inside and outside the community. They shut down debate, call for censorship of research or media that they find offensive, and they demonize and misrepresent those they view as their ideological opponents. Such totalitarian impulses must be condemned and rejected.
Vetting Campaign Donations
What steps do you take to vet campaign donations to ensure that you are not funded by groups or organizations with anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric or goals?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
The Green Party funding is at a very grassroots level; we do not seek nor generally receive funding from organizations. At the local level, my team actually tends to know the people making donations. At the national level, The Green Party publishes its values and its platform and policy. Two of our four pillars are: Social Justice and Respect for Diversity. I would think that a group with an agenda as described above would not find the Green Party to be an attractive recipient. Currently, people who fund the Green Party tend to be those who favor social justice reform.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
If I became aware that someone or some group was advocating harm against LGBT folks (breaching the Criminal Code), I would reject their funding. However, if someone/group had respect and compassion for the humanity of LGBT folks but held conservative values and opinions protected by the Charter and not at odds with the Criminal Code, I’m absolutely fine with the support of those people.
Same-Sex Marriage
a. What is your party’s history in voting for or against same-sex marriage in Canada?
b. If elected, how would you represent your party’s stance on retaining same-sex marriage rights?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
a. Same sex marriage rights are entrenched in Canadian law. The Green Party has been in favour of same sex marriage rights since before this became law in Canada and we were part of the celebration when this law was new!
b. I am an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and would continue to raise my voice. These rights should continue and not be threatened, in my opinion.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
a. We’re new so this doesn’t apply.
b. I would make sure that LGBT Canadians had the same rights as everyone else. The PPC is for maximum individual freedom. The only time my party or I would temper individual freedom would be if it could be demonstrated, empirically, beyond a doubt, that a certain individual right needed to be muted in the clear interest of public safety or societal cohesion and success. Again, this is a very high bar.
Protections for Trans Community (Bill C-16)
a. What is your party’s history in supporting Bill C-16?
b. If elected, how would you support federal protections for the trans community in Canada?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
a. The Green Party has a history of support
b. I was on a small task force on Diversity for the City of Cambridge and was one of the voices speaking in favour of the trans community. I belong to a faith community (Wesley United Church) which has sought official status in the United Church as being Affirming and I personally feel it is important for all communities to be welcoming to all people, especially people who are members of groups experiencing discrimination. I am well aware that trans-folks are often marginalized (unless they can “pass”). It is a very sad comment on our community that anyone would need to pass as someone else in order to feel safe. There is a lot of work that needs to be done – to change the culture and educate the public and I think that Ottawa should lead the way.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
a. We are against it. I am against it. I would seek to repeal it as would my party. We are for freedom of thought and expression, C-16 flies in the face of those values.
b. We would treat the trans community with the same respect as all other Canadians. The PPC is against pandering and against identity politics; we will treat all Canadians equally.
Canadian Blood Services’ Donations Ban
Do you support the current eligibility criterion for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) to donate blood to Canadian Blood Services? If not, what proposals would you suggest to change the eligibility for MSM to donate blood?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
I have done some research on this issue and it seems to be more of an historic anomaly than a valid scientific risk factor. I would advocate for a change in the criteria to address risk factors (such as multiple sex partners without condoms etc) and these risk factors should apply to everyone. I do not understand why the criteria even considers the gender of a person’s partner when it is the habits or lifestyle which pose risk. It seems highly discriminatory and unscientific to ignore that many happily married/ co-habiting and monogamous couples are MSM.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
I would have to look at the research to see why the Canadian Blood Services has said no to this practice.
Homelessness & Addiction
How would you as an elected official address the ongoing issues of homelessness and addiction, especially as they disproportionately affect members of the 2SLGBTIA+ community?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
We now have a national housing policy. There were some great initiatives at the last budget and these need to continue. There should be greater recognition of Intersectionality with respect to homelessness and more work done on prevention, such as enforcement of human rights violations by landlords in refusing housing on the basis of gender identity etc. I like the Housing First project in Waterloo as a strong measure to end chronic homelessness. If elected, I would hope that my constituency office would be a welcoming place and that advocates from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community would feel encouraged to come and meet with me to help me understand the issues more fully and give me more insight into policy initiatives they would like to see implemented. (And if there is anything I could do to be more welcoming, I expect that someone form the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or allies would let me know!)
David M. Haskell (PPC)
This is a primarily a provincial issue and the PPC is going to do its best to respect the Canadian Constitution and not infringe on provincial jurisdiction. That said, we plan on changing how health care is funded which could then free the province to be more innovative and effective on this matter.
Refugees & Asylum Rights
a. What is your party’s stance on accepting refugees who are 2SLGBTQIA+?
b. If elected, how would you encourage and protect the asylum rights of refugees based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
a. There will be some countries of origin where identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ community is a crime and some places (still today!!!) where the penalty is death. Refugees from these countries who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ community should be obvious Refugees in Canada. I think International law on Refugees is dated and reflects the risks of the post-war period and we need generally to update this law in order to better protect many vulnerable people (including both members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and also environmental refugees). Sadly, this is not a good time as there is currently too much international pressure to contract rather than expand refugee eligibility. That being said, Canada should be a leader in ensuring in accepting Refugees.
b. I would be open to hearing about individual claims through my constituent office and also would be investigating and following up on systemic issues.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
a. We believe that, like other persecuted minorities, they should receive priority. This is written right into our refugee policy. Here is the relevant part of that policy:
The PPC will: Give priority to refugees belonging to persecuted groups who have nowhere to go in neighbouring countries. For example: Christians, Yazidis, and members of other minority religions in majority Muslim countries; members of the Ahmadi community, and other Muslims in these countries who are persecuted because they reject political Islam and adhere to Western values; and members of sexual minorities.
b. We would change refugee policy to ensure persecuted minorities of all types were moved to the front of the refugee line.
Gender Markers on Identification
As an elected official, how would you support non-binary Canadians in changing their gender markers on their government identification?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
Many years ago, at the agency where I worked, I initiated a review of the Intake forms to include options so that every “he, she or they” who came into the agency would feel more accepted. I did this advocacy work as an ally many years ago and think that these changes in forms just make sense and cost very little. Systems need to be updated to reflect the scientific reality that gender identity is more of a spectrum than binary.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
Did not respond to this question.
Incarcerated Two-Spirit and Trans Individuals
How should incarcerated Two-Spirit and trans individuals be housed to serve their time in federal prisons in order to maintain safety and protection of all prisoners?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
They say that a civilization should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and Canada could do a much better job with respect to vulnerable people in federal prisons. With respect to Two-Spirit and trans individuals, there needs to be a priority on safety and recognition of special circumstances. I think the default should be on matching the facility to how each prisoner identifies and more individual consideration. I wonder if individual consideration would be more powerful if it were part of the responsibility of the sentencing judge so that in any circumstances of risk (including but not limited to conviction for Two-Spirit and trans persons), protective measures while in custody would be considered along with the duration of the sentence. There would need to be some system changes; and re-education of judges and lawyers.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
For the safety of women, I don’t think a biological male should be housed/incarcerated with them. For the safety of a biological woman, I don’t think they should be housed/incarcerated with men.
LGBTQ2 Secretariat Cabinet Position
What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
Bryan May (Liberal)
Did not complete the survey.
Sunny Attwal (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Scott Hamilton (NDP)
See Appendix B.
Michele Braniff (Green)
I had not heard about this but would applaud such an initiative as an acknowledgement of the true diversity of Canadian identity and of some of the unique challenges for this demographic group. I would want to make sure that this change is not merely cosmetic or a matter of appearance but that it would facilitate removal of barriers. For example, it is great to have diverse faces and identities sitting around a table with power; but even more important to ensure that the voices of diversity are heard. I believe that the Prime Minister’s Office has too much power and influence and that Party Whips undermine the voice of MP’s. I am in support of this kind of cabinet position but believe that our current system of Parliamentary democracy requires some reform so that the voices of MPs are free to speak truth to speak truth to power.
David M. Haskell (PPC)
I think that if a gov’t is truly seeking
fairness and respect for all Canadians, such a position is unnecessary.
Appendix A
NDP Response: Rainbow Community Council 2SLGBTQIA
1) What do you believe are the most critical issues for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community? If elected, how would you work with the local community to address these issues?
Although Canada has made important strides in upholding LGBTQI2S+ rights, there is more work to be done to improve the lives of LGBTQI2S+ Canadians and make Canada a country where everyone can live free from hate and bias. Some of the most critical issues include the discriminatory ban on blood donation, conversion therapy, access to services for trans people, employment discrimination and the need to protect 2SLGBTQIA refugees.
2) What steps do you take to vet campaign donations to ensure that you are not funded by groups or organizations with anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric or goals?
We only accept donations from individuals. The NDP unequivocally stands against all forms of homophobia and transphobia.
3)
a. What is your party’s history in voting for or against same-sex marriage in Canada?
While many other politicians from other parties voted against same-sex marriage, New Democrats were proud to support this right consistently and early on.
b. If elected, how would you represent your party’s stance on retaining same-sex marriage rights?
Same-sex marriage rights are non-negotiable. Everyone in Canada should always have the right to marry the person they love, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The NDP takes proactive steps to ensure all our candidates and caucus abide by this core fundamental value.
4)
a. What is your party’s history in supporting Bill C-16?
In December 2015, NDP MP Randall Garrison re-introduced the private member Bill C-204 to include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination. The content of this bill was copied by the government in Bill C-16, which the NDP was proud to support.
b. If elected, how would you support federal protections for the trans community in Canada?
We will always stand with the trans community in Canada, whether with respect to healthcare, the elimination of employment and other discrimination, or other matters that affect trans Canadians. For example, access to gender confirming procedures and medication can be life-saving for some transgender people. New Democrats will work with the provinces to make sure that there is equal access to gender confirming surgery across the country and that these procedures and medications are covered by public health plans.
5) Do you support the current eligibility criterion for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) to donate blood to Canadian Blood Services? If not, what proposals would you suggest to change the eligibility for MSM to donate blood?
One of the most significant setbacks of recent years is the Liberals’ decision to maintain the discriminatory ban on blood donation by men who have sex with anyone assigned male at birth. We need behaviour-based screening rather than policies that discriminate against an entire sexual orientation. A New Democrat government will end the discriminatory blood ban and put in place policies based in public health evidence to secure the blood supply.
6) How would you as an elected official address the ongoing issues of homelessness and addiction, especially as they disproportionately affect members of the 2SLGBTIA+ community?
For too many LGBTQ2+ homeless youth, finding a place to call home where they feel respected and nurtured is difficult. They can also be subject to violence and discrimination in shelters. That’s why when addressing this issue, the federal government can provide funding to ensure there is LGBTQ2+-specific housing. There must be a range of housing available, from emergency shelters to transitional housing.
With respect to addictions, we will declare a public health emergency and commit to working with all levels of government, experts, and Canadians to end the criminalization and stigma of drug addiction, so that people struggling with addiction can get the help they need without fear of arrest, while getting tough on the real criminals – those who traffic in and profit from illegal drugs. We’ll work with the provinces to support overdose prevention sites and expand access to treatment on demand for people struggling with addiction.
7)
a. What is your party’s stance on accepting refugees who are 2SLGBTQIA+?
b. If elected, how would you encourage and protect the asylum rights of refugees based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities?
New Democrats believe that Canada has a unique and important role to play in helping LGBTQI2S+ refugees around the world. We will establish a clear and permanent path for resettlement of LGBTQI2S+ refugees in Canada to replace the current piecemeal approach that only deals with emergency cases as they arise.
8) As an elected official, how would you support non-binary Canadians in changing their gender markers on their government identification?
The NDP supports allowing non-binary Canadians to change their gender markers on government identification in areas that fall under federal jurisdiction. On matters that fall under provincial jurisdiction, we are committed to working with the provinces in order to make this a reality.
9) How should incarcerated Two-Spirit and trans individuals be housed to serve their time in federal prisons in order to maintain safety and protection of all prisoners?
Trans and two Two-Spirit inmates should be housed based on their gender in federal correctional facilities, not based on biological sex at the time of birth. Further, they should not be held in segregation and should not have to hide their identity out of fear of violence and discrimination in those facilities.
10) What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
We support this position and plan to
continue it.
Appendix B
Réponse du NDP: FUGUES
1. Comment votre parti se positionne-t-il par rapport à la lutte contre l’homophobie et la transphobie?
Bien que le Canada ait fait d’importants progrès dans la défense des droits des personnes LGBTQI2S+, il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour améliorer la vie de ces personnes et pour faire du Canada un pays où tout le monde peut vivre sans haine ni préjugés.
2. Considériez-vous la mise en place de campagnes nationales sur les valeurs canadiennes incluant les réalités de la diversité sexuelle et de genre?
Les néo-démocrates s’élèveront toujours contre toutes les formes de haine, le racisme, incluant le racisme anti-Noir, l’antisémitisme, l’islamophobie, la violence fondée sur le sexe, l’homophobie et la transphobie.
3. Votre parti poursuivra-t-il l’initiative du gouvernement sortant de nommer un conseiller auprès du premier ministre ? Ou envisagez-vous une autre structure ?
Oui.
4. Votre parti est-il d’avis qu’il faudrait modifier le Code criminel pour interdire les thérapies de conversion ?
En ce qui concerne l’orientation sexuelle et l’expression de genre, des pratiques préjudiciables comme les prétendues « thérapies de conversion » n’ont pas leur place au Canada. Nous allons élaborer un plan d’action pancanadien visant à interdire les thérapies de conversion pour les mineur.es au Canada, et nous allons collaborer avec les provinces et les territoires pour appuyer l’élimination de cette pratique dans toutes les régions du pays.
5. Avec le succès des traitements contre le VIH qui rendent indétectable et donc intransmissible la grande majorité les personnes séropositive, votre parti considère-t-il qu’on devrait décriminaliser le risque de transmission du VIH ?
Le NPD soutient toute mesure qui réduit la criminalisation et la stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le VIH. Nos lois devraient refléter la science : les recherches actuelles montrent que l’activité sexuelle avec une personne vivant avec le VIH qui suit un traitement tel que prescrit et qui a maintenu une charge virale supprimée pose un risque négligeable de transmission.
Mettre fin à la criminalisation n’est pas seulement une question de changer ou de ne pas changer le Code criminel ; le gouvernement doit investir dans l’éducation et la prévention pour aider à réduire la stigmatisation associée au VIH.
6. Selon votre parti, quel devrait-être l’engagement financier du Canada concernant le Fonds Mondial de lutte contre le paludisme et le sida?
Afin d’améliorer la santé globale, le Canada devrait contribuer davantage au Fonds international pour lutter contre le SIDA, la tuberculose et la malaria, afin de mettre fin à ces épidémies et d’appuyer les systèmes de santé dans les pays en développement.
7. Le Canada devrait-il imiter, selon votre parti, l’Espagne, le Portugal et l’Italie, où l’exclusion de don de sang touche les pratiques à risque et où on ne fait plus de différence entre le don de sang des hétérosexuels et celui des homosexuels?
L’un des revers les plus importants de ces dernières années, c’est la décision du gouvernement libéral de maintenir l’interdiction discriminatoire du don de sang par des hommes ayant des rapports sexuels avec d’autres personnes identifiées comme hommes à la naissance. Nous avons besoin d’un dépistage fondé sur le comportement, plutôt que des politiques qui font de la discrimination en fonction d’une orientation sexuelle. Un gouvernement néo-démocrate mettra fin à l’interdiction discriminatoire du don de sang et mettra en place des politiques fondées sur des données probantes de santé publique pour assurer l’approvisionnement en sang.
8. Comment le Canada devrait-il défendre les droits et les libertés des personnes LGBTQ+ à travers le monde selon votre parti, en particulier face aux pays qui ne respectent pas ou qui restreignent les droits de la personne?
Le Canada doit condamner sans réserve la discrimination contre les communautés LGBTQI2S+ partout dans le monde. Il y a trop de pays où l’homosexualité est décriminalisée, et nous devons faire plus pour défendre les droits de ceux qui sont opprimés en raison de leur orientation sexuelle ou de leur identité sexuelle.
Les néo-démocrates croient aussi que le Canada a un rôle unique et important à jouer pour aider les réfugié.es LGBTQI2S+ partout dans le monde. Nous allons établir une voie permanente pour que les réfugiés LGBTQI2S+ puissent s’installer au Canada afin remplacer l’approche fragmentaire actuelle qui ne traite que les cas d’urgence à mesure qu’ils surviennent.
9. Dans un univers où l’avenir des médias (journaux, magazines d’information et communautaires) est mis en danger par GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon et Microsoft) — qui siphonnent les revenus publicitaires (rappelons que plus de 80% des revenus se retrouvent chez ces entreprises américaines qui ne payent aucun ou presque pas d’impôt) —, votre parti considère-t-il qu’il faut des mesures économiques pour protéger l’avenir des journaux, des magazines d’information ou communautaires, comme Fugues? Si oui, lesquels ?
La plupart des Canadiennes et Canadiens s’informent maintenant sur Facebook, et Netflix est devenu le plus grand diffuseur du pays. Or, ces géants du web ne paient pas d’impôts et ne contribuent pas au financement du contenu canadien de la même façon que les médias traditionnels. Le cinéma, la télévision et les médias canadiens sont confrontés à un raz-de-marée de contenu américain généreusement financé, et les libéraux ont refusé de prendre des mesures pour égaliser le terrain de jeu.
C’est pourquoi nous veillerons à ce que Netflix, Facebook, Google et les autres entreprises de médias numériques respectent les mêmes règles que les diffuseurs canadiens. Cela signifie payer des impôts, appuyer le contenu canadien dans les deux langues officielles et assumer la responsabilité de ce qui apparaît sur leur plateforme, comme c’est le cas pour les autres médias.
Nous veillerons à ce que les institutions artistiques et culturelles reçoivent un financement stable et à long terme pour faire croître et promouvoir les diverses cultures et histoires du Canada. Nous appuierons également les médias canadiens pour les aider à effectuer la transition vers le numérique.
10. Quelles mesures, comme gouvernement, entendriez-vous prendre pour vous assurer que tous les nouveaux arrivants comprennent et acceptent les valeurs d’ouverture du Canada dont la diversité sexuelle et de genre?
Nous appuyons une mise à jour du guide de la citoyenneté pour inclure du langage clair sur les droits de la communauté LGBTQI2S+, parmi d’autres groupes marginalisés.
11. Estimez-vous que l’inclusion des diversités est un enjeu d’importance pour les entreprises du Canada ? Si oui, quelles sont les mesures que Selon votre parti mettrait en place afin d’assurer l’inclusion de la diversité, dont celle LGBTQ+.
Nous pouvons en faire davantage pour mettre fin à la discrimination en matière d’emploi dont sont victimes les membres de la communauté LGBTQI2S+. Un gouvernement néo-démocrate ajoutera l’orientation sexuelle, l’identité et l’expression de genre à la Loi sur l’équité en matière d’emploi afin de s’attaquer aux préjudices subis par les communautés LGBTGQ2+ – et particulièrement les personnes transgenres – pour trouver du travail.
12. Votre parti s’engagerait-il à poursuivre ou augmenter le financement des festivals et évènements LGBTQ+ culturels ou touristiques ?
Oui
Appendix C
Liberal Response
1) What do you believe are the most critical issues for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community? If elected, how would you work with the local community to address these issues?
We understand that the issues facing the community vary based on different intersectionalities and we have worked hard to address those across the board by passing legislation to protect trans folks, updating government policies through a lens that better understands intersectional discrimination, and by creating the LGBTQ2 Secretariat to ensure that we continue to update government policy and practices to protect and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
One significant issue that has been felt across the community is the high rate of homelessness for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. We have provided funding, including core funding, to organizations that provide front line services for these youth, including housing and on this point have made the needs of LGBTQ2 Canadians a priority for funding within the national co-investment fund as part of the National Housing Strategy.
There also continue to be barriers for these Canadians to health and other services, and a Liberal government would continue working to remove these barriers through increased funding to community organizations, the introduction of additional supports such as a national support line for those in distress, and important steps to modernize how we deliver important social programs like paid family leave so that it recognizes the full spectrum of modern families.
Maybe as importantly, Prime Minister Trudeau, his cabinet and Liberal caucus have proudly demonstrated our government’s support by marching in pride parades across the country. The PM was happy to be joined by leaders of every other party with the exception of the Conservatives.
2) What steps do you take to vet campaign donations to ensure that you are not funded by groups or organizations with anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric or goals?
The Liberal party does not accept donations from such groups.
3)
a. What is your party’s history in voting for or against same-sex marriage in Canada?
Our party introduced and passed marriage equality legislation and we have continued to support and advocate for this and other 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. The entirety of our party supports same-sex marriage, it is a non-negotiable issue of Charter rights to which all Liberal members are fully committed, and we will not reverse our support.
b. If elected, how would you represent your party’s stance on retaining same-sex marriage rights?
Liberal M.P.s will always oppose any effort to turn back the clock on marriage equality.
4)
a. What is your party’s history in supporting Bill C-16?
Bill C-16 was legislation introduced by our Liberal government and was passed with the unanimous support of Liberal M.P.s.
We were proud to pass this bill with significant cross-party support from New Democrat, Green, Bloc and a number of Conservative M.P.s. That being said, we are dismayed that in this day and age still 40 Conservative M.P.s, including their now leader Andrew Scheer, found it acceptable to vote against this important milestone for human rights in Canada.
b. If elected, how would you support federal protections for the trans community in Canada?
Anti-discrimination legislation like C-16 is only one part of protecting the trans community. We have updated Service Canada policies and practices to ensure respect for the diversity of all genders. Further, Treasury Board Secretariat guidelines were introduced and are being implemented under our government that include updating sex and gender data collection and display to be more inclusive.
5) Do you support the current eligibility criterion for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) to donate blood to Canadian Blood Services? If not, what proposals would you suggest to change the eligibility for MSM to donate blood?
Our Liberal government has continuously worked to reduce the MSM deferral period for blood donation, most recently reducing it to three months. Under our health minister we continued to work towards a behaviour-based model that follows the most current and comprehensive science from the international community, and we remain at comparable stages with other countries.
The nature of the relationship between between the government of Canada and Canadian Blood Services/Hemo-Quebec requires a study of potential impacts by those organizations before any policy changes can be implemented. Our government has funded such studies leading to the reduction in the deferral period and continue to fund research with the goal of implementing a non discriminatory, behaviour based screening process.
We are committed to eliminating the ban altogether, and a re-elected Liberal government will move forward in partnership with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to support the implementation of a behaviour-based model that eliminates the ban once and for all.
6) How would you as an elected official address the ongoing issues of homelessness and addiction, especially as they disproportionately affect members of the 2SLGBTIA+ community?
We have provided funding, including core funding, to organizations that provide front line service, including housing, for affected members of the LGBTQ2 community. This includes the largest single government investment in an LGBTQ2 organization when we invested in the Egale Centre in Toronto where about 35 housing spaces specifically for LGBTQ2 youth are being built. LGBTQ2 Canadians are one among a number of identified priority groups for funding within the national co-investment fund as part of the National Housing Strategy.
Through the federal government’s Security Infrastructure Program, the Egale Centre was also provided with a contribution of more than $47, 000 to help secure this facility and keep its community members safe.
7)
a. What is your party’s stance on accepting refugees who are 2SLGBTQIA+?
Our government strongly supports welcoming LGBTI refugees. We need to ensure that individuals who face violence and criminalization based on their sexual orientation or gender identity can find safety in Canada. Our Rainbow Refugee Assistance program was recently upgraded from a pilot program to a full initiative under our government specifically in order to help LGBTI persons fleeing persecution and find safety in Canada. Further, our recent commitment of $30 million over five years in Canadian organizations operating overseas will promote and defend human rights, including LGBTI rights, in all corners of the globe.
These kinds of initiatives are saving lives. For example, in the wake of the Chechen crackdown on the LGBTQ2 community in Russia, many were badly beaten, detained and killed. Our government worked to support roughly 60 people to escape to safety in Canada.
b. If elected, how would you encourage and protect the asylum rights of refugees based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities?
Our government has already taken steps to make our refugee system more approachable for LGBTI refugees. After a decade of neglect, when we came to office the processes for processing LGBTI individuals were horribly out of date. Individuals were subjected to inappropriate and ignorant questions about their personal lives in a way that was unacceptable. Under our watch, these processes have been improved.
We have also provided critical funding for Rainbow Refugees Canada and increased the number of LGBTI refugees we accept every year.
8) As an elected official, how would you support non-binary Canadians in changing their gender markers on their government identification?Our government introduced a gender neutral option for travel documents, such as passports and visas, and we continue to examine updating gender markers on other identification documents introduced. We have updated Service Canada forms and processes and Treasury Board Secretariat sex and gender data guidelines that are designed to respect gender diversities.
9) How should incarcerated Two-Spirit and trans individuals be housed to serve their time in federal prisons in order to maintain safety and protection of all prisoners?
Incarcerated Two-Spirit and Trans federal inmates should be housed in a location that aligns with their gender identity. Under our government, we introduced updated CSC guidelines that are more inclusive and supportive of trans Canadians in the corrections system.
10) What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
Our government created the LGBTQ2 Secretariat to help support a whole of government approach to help advance 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. Housed within the Privy Council Office, it provides distinct advice and is able to apply an intersectional lens to all government departments to ensure activities, initiatives, and policies from the federal government include considerations for LGBTQ2 Canadians.