Candidates’ Contact Information
Tim Louis (Liberal)- votetimlouis.ca
Harold Albrecht (Conservative) – Harold.Albrecht@parl.gc.ca
Riani de Wet (NDP) – Riani.DeWet@ndp.ca
Stephanie Goertz (Green) – stephanie.goertz@greenparty.ca
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC) – kwallar@protonmail.com
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
1. Hate crimes and violence
2. Employment discrimination
The first step would be to meet with local organizations, groups, and representatives to better understand the local issues. Reviewing reports and documents on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues would be my next step as well as meeting with other local MP’s to work across parties.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
As per Elections Canada “Note: Corporations, trade unions, associations and groups cannot make contributions.”
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
a. The Green Party called for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the 1980s, the first political party to do so. Greens believe that consensual sexual freedom is a fundamental human right and that acceptance and celebration of LGBTQI2+ people and identities are essential for genuine social justice and equity.
b. I would vote against any petitions to take away these rights and meet with local organizations to determine what more could be done.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
a. The Green Party is in full support of Bill C-16
b. The Green Party will:
Repeal all federal laws and policies that are discriminatory on the grounds of sexuality, including Section 159 of the Criminal Code, and that refer to intersex reality as a defect, aberration, or by any other derogatory terms.
Establish a funding program within Health Canada to support community-based organizations offering targeted LGBTQI2+ youth’s mental health and well-being programs, including suicide prevention, peer support, coming out, and counselling.
Fund community-driven education and awareness programs that lead to a greater understanding of intersex realities and the diversity of sexualities and gender identities, and referral programs to direct for trans*, non-binary and Two Spirit people to appropriate services.
End the discriminatory blood ban.
Ban and condemn the practice of medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children.
Ban and condemn the practice of conversion therapy, in all its forms.
Ensure access to comprehensive sexual health care and gender affirming health care, including hormone treatments and blockers, and gender confirmation surgeries.
Ensure that trans*, non-binary, and Two Spirit people, without undertaking surgeries, are able to alter their sex designation on all federally-issued official documents, consistent with their gender identity.
Work with social services, community supports, emergency shelters and other frontline organizations to ensure that all LGBTQI2+ young people are cared for and protected.
Ensure that the national census is designed to reflect the diversity of sex and gender and ask appropriate questions to ensure adequate, safe and effective data collection.
Require accessible facilities in all federal buildings, including gender-neutral washrooms, changing facilities, etc. while also re-affirming trans, non-binary and Two Spirit people’s right to use whichever facilities with which they identify.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A.
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
The Green Party will work towards ending the discriminatory blood ban.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
The Green Party will enhance the federal government’s contribution to meeting the housing needs of Canadians through direct investments, changes to tax policies, the appointment of a Minister of Housing, and lending and granting programs, putting the government’s focus where it is urgently needed.
I would like to further review the recommendations made in the report “THE HEALTH OF LGBTQIA2 COMMUNITIES IN CANADA Report of the Standing Committee on Health” written by Bill Casey to better understand which recommendations to support if I am elected, as well as meet with local organizations.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
a. We have fostered a multicultural democracy that welcomes diversity as an asset, not a threat.
b. [Did not answer]
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Gender Markers on Identification
As an elected official, how would you support non-binary Canadians in changing their gender markers on their government identification?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
The Green Party will ensure that trans*, non-binary, and Two Spirit people, without undertaking surgeries, are able to alter their sex designation on all federally-issued official documents, consistent with their gender identity.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
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?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
I would follow the recommendations of the CSC which includes:
- Placing an offender in a men’s or women’s institution according to their gender identity, if it is their preference, regardless of their anatomy or gender on their identification documents, unless there are overriding health or safety concerns which cannot be resolved.
- Using an offender’s preferred name and pronoun in all oral interaction and written documentation.
- Allowing offenders to purchase authorized items from CSC catalogues for either men or women if there are no safety, health or security concerns according to the security level of their institution.
- Taking steps to maximize the privacy and confidentiality of information related to an offender’s gender identity. Information about an offender’s gender identity will only be shared with those directly involved with the offender’s care, and only when relevant.
- Offering individualized protocols for offenders who seek to be accommodated on the basis of gender identity or expression to ensure, among other things:
- the safety, privacy and dignity of an offender when they access shower and/or toilet facilities;
- and the choice of male or female staff to conduct frisk and strip searches, urinalysis testing, and camera surveillance.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
LGBTQ2 Secretariat Cabinet Position
What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
Tim Louis (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Harold Albrecht (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Riani de Wet (NDP)
See Appendix A
Stephanie Goertz (Green)
I believe it is a step in the right direction towards ensuring issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are taken into account in the development of federal policies, programs and laws. I support activities that bring multiple stakeholders together, from different departments and agencies, so that there is a great transfer of knowledge.
Koltyn H. Wallar (PPC)
Did not respond nor complete the
survey.
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
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.