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
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal) – campaign@votetabbara.ca
Alan Keeso (Conservative) – alan@alankeeso.ca
Wasai Rahimi (NDP) – wasai.rahimi@ndp.ca
David Weber (Green) – david.weber@greenparty.ca
The PPC Candidate for this riding could not be contacted to participate in the survey.
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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
The two areas that strike me as the most important are support for transsexual, transgender and transitioning individuals and the need for seniors housing for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
On the first area, issues of identity documents and privacy are most easily dealt with at the federal level, followed by equality of access to health services, and making the civil service and the military trans-welcoming. I would respond to requests from the local community to assist in addressing those issues.
On the second issue, I would be happy to assist the local community in addressing any federal Minister, Department or Agency and advocating for a program of developing housing for the community’s seniors.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
I believe that the most critical issue for local 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples is access to support services in the community. This population is more likely to be homeless (especially youth), experience mental health challenges, and struggle with substance abuse; all often as a result of the negative societal reactions to their identity.
If elected, I would work with local organizations supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ people to determine how best to address these issues. I believe that the first step is to listen. Based on that input, I can then determine what actions to take to best improve the lives of 2SLBGTQIA+ residents of Kitchener-South Hespeler and all of Canada.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
Groups and organizations are not permitted to make donations to political parties, candidates or campaigns. A member of my staff vets donations to ensure they are not aimed at negatively influencing policies toward the community and all donations are made public through Elections Canada.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
Currently, my campaign is supported by local donors; I have not received financial donation or goods or services from corporations. Private citizens donating to my campaign are supporting a candidate who believes in 2SLGBTQIA+ support and representation. In the event I receive any corporate donations, my team will assess their reasons for supporting the NDP and what policies they specifically are in favour of. We will review their corporate literature to ensure they have an equal opportunity hiring policy as well as anti-harassment policies specifically outlining protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and patrons.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
a. Same-sex marriage in Canada was legally recognized nationwide with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act which was introduced by Prime Minister Paul Martin’s Liberal minority government in the House of Commons of Canada on February 1, 2005, as Bill C-38. It was passed by the House of Commons on June 28, 2005, by the Senate on July 19, 2005, and it received royal assent the following day.
b. The Prime Minister and the Liberal Party have been unequivocal that we support same-sex marriage rights.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
a. In the 2003 vote to pass Bill C-38, recognizing same-sex marriage in the Civil Marriage Act, the official position of the NDP was support for the bill. On the final vote, 18 MPs supported the motion and one MP broke party convention and opposed. Additionally, one MP was absent, but would have attended if they thought it would be a narrow vote to ensure it passed.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has expressed that he will not support a Conservative minority government based on Andrew Sheer’s past negative remarks on same-sex marriage and clear indication that he still does not currently support 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians (e.g. Pride attendance).
b. I fully support equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians, including marriage equality. In the event a same-sex marriage debate returns to the table, I will unequivocally vote in favour.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
a. We are quite proud of having introduced Bill C-16 and having seen it through to enactment as federal legislation to protect trans rights and prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
b. I would support efforts to enhance and enforce those protections.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
a. NDP MP Bill Siksay was a champion of the original intent to include gender identity and expression into the Human Rights Act. He introduced legislation in 2005, 2006, and 2009. It finally continued for Senate approval but was unable to be considered prior to the subsequent election. Again, the NDP introduced Bill C-279 in 2012 with the same goal, but again it died in the Senate. When Bill C-16 was ultimately up for final vote in 2016, all 39 NDP MPs supported it.
b. A current NDP policy initiative is to include sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to the Employment Equity Act. I wholeheartedly support this motion.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
The federal government itself does not make those decisions. However, in my view the current restrictions on eligibility are not justified.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
The NDP seeks to end the discriminatory ban on blood donation by men and trans women who have sex with men. If this Bill is put forward, I will support it whole heartedly.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
Our national housing strategy is our response to the issue of homelessness. It is the first-ever national housing strategy, and significant resources are being dedicated to its implementation. The search for policy alternatives to deal with the addiction crisis is very difficult. Apart from safe injection sites, widespread availability of naloxone, support resources and education, I’d like to see much more research into the nature of addiction and the individual or genetic characteristics that may lead some people to be more susceptible than others.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
All Canadians should have access to affordable and accessible housing. The NDP has a strategy to increase affordable rental availability, co-op options, and social supported housing. Additionally, we seek to make it easier to purchase a home. By alleviating the housing crunch, it will be easier for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to find affordable, quality home options and build their lives and futures.
Addiction is a complicated issue with no easy solution. Although many healthcare initiatives fall to Provincial governments, the Federal NDP is committed to supporting those efforts that seek to minimize the harm caused by substance abuse and address crises like opioid addiction on a large scale.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
a. I am a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. We and our government have been very supportive of community organizations that are active in rescuing and resettling 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees.
b. As a member of the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration I have consistently encouraged and sought to protect the asylum rights of refugees based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. I will continue to do so.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
a. The NDP supports the acceptance of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees and believes on a clear strategy for resettlement and adjustment to their new lives in Canada.
b. I am favour of making the process of asylum seeking easier for those who are under some sort of discrimination and prosecution including 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
I support changes to government identification for non-binary Canadians.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
As gender identity and expression should be a protected status, it should also be included as an official designation on government identification. I would support the motion to add NB as an additional designation on federal documentation.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
They should be co-housed.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
Incarcerated persons identifying as 2S or Trans should be housed with the population that aligns with their gender identity. This will not only support them from a mental health and gender dysphoria standpoint, but also protect them from potential violence and harassment.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in the survey.
LGBTQ2 Secretariat Cabinet Position
What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
Marwan Tabbara (Liberal)
I was very pleased by the formation of the Secretariat. My staff have engaged with the Secretariat and supported its work.
Alan Keeso (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Wasai Rahimi (NDP)
I approve the creation of this position. Inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ opinions, experiences, and voices will improve the quality of life for all Canadians. Understanding the needs of this community will significantly help to inform policy and programs to raise us all up.
David Weber (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Joseph A. Todd (PPC)
Could not be contacted to participate in 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.