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
Bardish Chagger (Liberal) – Bardish.Chagger@parl.gc.ca
Jerry Zhang (Conservative) – info@votezhang.ca
Lori Campbell (NDP) – Lori.Campbell@ndp.ca
Kirsten Wright (Green) – kirsten.wright@greenparty.ca
Erika Traub (PPC) – erikatraubppc@gmail.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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
The NDP is a party that fights for full equality of 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples in Canada.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
The most critical issue facing diverse groups is that Canada has become deeply divided by identity politics. Government has invaded our race, sexual orientation and identity, religious belief, gender issues and caused division which did not used to be there. The People’s Party believes in unity and focusing on the freedoms that unite Canadians while respecting the personal values we hold in a free and democratic society as enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
Although there are outliers in every party, I have made it clear to the party that I, myself, am 2Spirit. The NDP membership in the community of Waterloo elected me through a contested nomination process to represent them. Every member of our membership is clear on where I personally stand in relation to 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights and I have felt full support as I reach out to other NDP supporters in our community. If I were to be aware that a donation was coming in from someone who is actively engaged in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric or goals, I would unequivocally NOT take donations from them.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
If elected, I would not engage in identity politics. I have been an advocate for vulnerable persons my entire professional career spanning 3 decades, and as well as in my volunteer activities. I will continue to listen to vulnerable groups and ensure that they receive the protections afforded to all by law. I will work towards bringing us together in the spirit of peaceful tolerance and mutual respect. Tolerance includes respecting the right of all individuals to free speech.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
a. I believe the NDP have always supported and voted for same-sex marriage in Canada.
b. This is of significant importance to me and I will ALWAYS fight for same-sex marriage rights.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
The People’s Party is a new political party that believes in respecting people’s right to live their lives freely according to the values they embrace. No government interference ought to determine who someone can marry. If elected I will continue to advocate for government to stay out of the marriages of the Canadian people.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
a. I am proud to belong to party that has always supported Bill C-16 and one that recognizes that the passing of Bill C-16 does not mark the end of the fight for Trans rights but was a start of larger work that must be carried on to ensure that these rights and protections are reflected in all federal policies and services.
b. We continue to fight for access to gender-confirming procedures and understand that medication is life-saving for many transgender people. New Democrats will work with 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.
We also believe that when it comes to sexual orientation and gender expression, damaging practices such as so-called “conversion therapy” have no place in Canada. We commit to developing a national action plan to ban conversion therapy for minors in Canada, and work with provinces and territories to support eliminating this practice in all parts of the country.
We also believe that when it comes to sexual orientation and gender expression, damaging practices such as so-called “conversion therapy” have no place in Canada. We commit to developing a national action plan to ban conversion therapy for minors in Canada, and work with provinces and territories to support eliminating this practice in all parts of the country.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
The People’s Party is a strong advocate for free speech. Free speech is not compatible with forced or compelled speech. The People’s Party does not believe in discrimination and vows to uphold the values of each individual to live howsoever they choose provided that that does not infringe on the rights of others to do the same. Government must never be a divisive influence in society. Government must respect the Charter rights of individuals to be free of abuse by government agencies. The Criminal Code of Canada is a powerful tool to prevent violence towards victims of hateful discrimination and we must hold our police forces accountable to provide protection to all affected persons.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
I support that a step has been taken so that MSM can donate blood, but I do still believe it discriminates against MSM as a group compared to men who have sex with women and vice versa. I will continue to fight for equality across screening criteria. Our goal is to end the discriminatory ban on blood donation by MSM and Trans women who have sex with men.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
I believe this is not a government issue. Leave it to the experts in the medical profession to make sure that our blood services is world class, safe and free of prejudice based on sexual orientation. Safe and abundant provision of blood services is the priority and is a matter for the experts in the field, not government.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
I believe in a housing first model that provides opportunity for housing to be a foundational human necessity that must be in place before other social inequities or addictions issues should or can be addressed. I understand the disproportionate ways in which 2SLGBTQIA+ are pushed out of homes that are no longer safe and forced into situations of homeless and driven to substance use to cope. Specialized and designated affordable housing providing opportunity for safety can then be built upon with by providing support services for individuals to be healthy and to reach their goals.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
Homelessness is a growing and desperate issue that touches many people in our community. Clearly the safety net has failed and many vulnerable groups, if not all, have fallen through. The long answer to this question is in economic policy and in the management of spending, debt and deficit. The short answer is that only a prosperous society can provide for its vulnerable persons. The People’s Party platform on economic issues, taxation and deregulation is one that will start up the economic engine of Canada. In times of prosperity we see philanthropy soar, and homelessness decline. We cannot continue to accept empty promises from politicians. We must have a concrete plan to ensure that our growing population of homeless people is cut, that people have hope, dignity and choice returned to them.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
a. We believe it is time to provide support to 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees and plan a clear path for resettlement.
b. [Did not answer]
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
I strongly believe that many refugees in their home countries have been discriminated against based on sexual identity and preference. The hate and intolerance, for example in Iran and Saudi Arabia, results in heinous crimes, torture and murder. Absolutely, Canada must urgently recognize these individuals and afford all protections to them as refugees from wherever there is systemic prejudice and violence.
Gender Markers on Identification
As an elected official, how would you support non-binary Canadians in changing their gender markers on their government identification?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
This is a discriminatory act and is something that I will continue to fight for.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
I believe in individual freedom. The founding principles of the People’s Party are respect, freedom, responsibility and fairness. Do whatever you want, and respect the right of others to do the same, provided no one hurts the other.
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?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
Consultation with 2S and Trans inmates would best inform the way to move forward. Isolation is NOT an appropriate answer, nor is mis-gendering or placing inmates in unsafe situations. I also have a lot of concern over criminalization that is essentially borne of a 2S or Trans identity rather than criminal activities.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
This is an issue that should be left to the professionals in the field. Our prisons have so many issues, overcrowding and human rights abuses. I think on this issue we need a lot of sunlight and accountability. And we have to stop putting people in jail for non-violent offences, particularly administrative offences like breaches of probation, recognizances and incarcerating people before their trial if they are non-violent. Over crowding is an issue that requires a systemic review of the administration of justice, mental health services and addiction and withdrawal counselling and treatment.
LGBTQ2 Secretariat Cabinet Position
What are your thoughts on the recently created cabinet position of LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
Bardish Chagger (Liberal)
See Appendix C.
Jerry Zhang (Conservative)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Lori Campbell (NDP)
I am aware that we have a LBGTQ2 Secretariat, but, to be honest, I have not heard much about them or from them. That said, I believe it is an important position, but that it should definitely be doing more in the way of addressing systemic issues and implementing systemic changes.
Kirsten Wright (Green)
Did not respond nor complete the survey.
Erika Traub (PPC)
I’m not
familiar with this position, and would love to hear more about it. I’m looking
forward to free and open dialogue with all of our community stakeholders.
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.