1. I fully support a Madawaska Valley Township that is a welcoming and inclusive community for all. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in events and initiatives as my schedule permits. I am also on the AHAOV (Affordable Housing Association of Ottawa Valley). We will be following up with people in the Madawaska Valley Township, who wish to volunteer their time, knowledge, skills, and talents in finding solutions to our housing crisis after the municipal election. If you would like to be on our MVT AHAOV focus group, please let me know.
2. Community safety is a priority for me. I am a certified Professional Life Coach, Mediator, and Restorative Justice Practitioner. I am a member of CATAP (Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals). I have 40 years of experience within the Child Development/Education Field. I am a registered professional member of OACYC and CECE. No one should be discriminated against. (I also currently supply at MVDHS & Sherwood PS) Education and awareness is key (from the early elementary grades), to bringing acceptance and empathy for all. Early instruction/training in empathy and understanding the perspectives of others is fundamental in developing strong and inclusive communities. As a Councillor in MVT, I will aim to bring people together and make our community centres a hub of activities and programs where everyone feels safe, respected, and included not only for our individual gifts and talents but also to embrace our differences. 3. I do have training and experience in supporting 2SLGBTQ youth and young adults, from my work with school boards and with clients in my private practice. I am always open to new learning & training opportunities though. Thanks again for the opportunity to show my support for PFLAG Renfrew County and our 2SLGBTQ community. Helen Benn 1.
If elected I will work to modernize the Town of Petawawa’s ban against public proclamations to allow for proclamations that promote inclusion and celebrate diversity. Recently the town voted against a proposal to fly the Pride flag. I want to live in a community where we recognize and celebrate the diversity of human experience. I support flying the Progress Pride Flag, which is maximally inclusive and signifies a commitment to further progress. I would also like to see other initiatives such as Pride festivals and crosswalks that celebrate the diversity that exists in our community. 2. False information is no match for real people. If elected, I will work to communicate with groups who feel threatened by diversity and be sure that they are given the information they need to appreciate the benefits of inclusion. I would also increase opportunities for people to connect positively through community building, Pride festivals, flag raisings, and education campaigns. 3. I will commit to learn about 2SLGBTQ issues from 2SLGBTQ people, participate in safe space training, and build relationships with my local Pflag and Pride groups. I believe that we should always be learning, and I am always ready to challenge what I think I know about gender and sexuality. These topics are vital. Thank you for the work that you do. Lisa Coutu Candidate for Petawawa Town Council 1. I will definitely support and participate in these events. I organized a float in the Peterborough Pride Parade with my Rotary Club. We were the FIRST Rotary Club to participate in a Pride Parade in the world and we had a blast! 2. I didn't know the answer to this question, so I googled it. There is much written about creating programs and funding for these programs. There aren't any solid solutions. But I believe that this is the same as drinking and driving drunk. Up to 30 years ago, people just looked the other way when a drunk got behind the wheel. Then a group of mothers got together to change the narrative. Over time, drunk driving has become shameful and not tolerated, especially by our youth. The key to any change is education and passing laws to prevent the bad behaviour of some members of society. Our SLSGBTQ youth need the same protection. Hate speech against this segment of our community is a crime and should be punished. This means educating the public, the local police and in the schools. 3. Yes I will. Liz Woosey Thank you for reaching out!
1. Of course! I support and will happily participate in pride related events. We are all unique and different which is what makes us human. We need to learn or rather unlearn bias’ that are negative to any human being. “We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity” George Takei 2. Sadly there is lots of work to do… as I said we must unlearn our imbedded intolerance of our differences… I would support education and understanding of issues that face the 2SLGBTQ community. “This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another” Elliott Page 3. I am absolutely committed to learning about issues that concern the 2SLGTBQ community. It’s our community, our human community. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries, without them humanity cannot survive” Dalai Lama Please feel free to keep in touch! Karen Walsh karenwalsh.ca Things can’t change if they don’t change Questions 1 - I fully support the amendment to our proclamation policy to enable our community to tangibly demonstrate that we are an equitable and inclusive community. This means proclaiming Pride month, disability awareness and Indigenous People - Truth and Reconciliation to name my top three. I am a proponent for establishing the Town's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Question 2 - I believe through education and awareness we can start the process of understanding, acceptance and support. All people in Petawawa must be represented, be equal and enjoy all the same opportunities. As far as anti hate speeches, elected officials must set the bar for our acceptance of all our citizens and we must be allies for 2SLGBTQ+. We must not only recognize what is being said but the effect of what is being said....I have recognized pride month by prominently placing the pride sign on my front lawn and by my actions of acceptance. I support the installation of the pride crosswalk in Petawawa and to our celebration and awareness events. Question 3 - yes, yes, yes We must be a modern Town - that means change and embracing our diversity because it is in and through our diversity that we are strong and resilient. I look forward to the development of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee and the positive steps we will take on behalf of all people and especially our marginalized residents. Theresa Theresa Sabourin (she, her) 1.
Both as a community member and a business owner (Little Things Canning Company)I have regularly supported PFLAG and PRIDE events in Pembroke. From sponsoring and supporting the pride festivals over the years, to attending the pride parade and events with my family and in-store fundraising. I have also suggested to and supported my teenager to volunteer in the past pride events. As a parent I think that it's important to teach my children as they grow into adults that inclusivity is important and we actively have those conversations in our home. My business does have the PRIDE and PFLAG signs in the window year round not just in June, we are a safe space and we will continue to support both organizations and the 2SLBGTQ community regardless of the outcome of the election. As the sitting vice chair of the downtown PBIA, I was a part of the board that did support the downtown crosswalk being put into place. I fully supported that initiative and would continue to do so. 2. I feel that it is important to maintain an open dialog with both PFLAG and PRIDE regarding these issues. The police services board should also be involved in order to change the narrative and help support all of those in our community. Education is key and we as a community need to ensure that correct information is being shared to support our 2SLBGTQ youth and adults. 3. Absolutely! As previously stated, I feel that education is key and this is an amazing initiative that you have brought forward to offer to help educate those in our community who may not quite understand everything that they need to in order to be accepting and inclusive of all of our community members. Thank you Stacy Taylor
Good afternoon, Jill
Let me be perfectly clear I have spent my entire life doing my very best to ensure that we are excepting and respectful of each other no matter your age your status in life, your sexual orientation your cultural background or if you have a physical or intellectual disability. As I have stated more than once publicly it is paramount that we strive to be more accepting and inclusive of everyone in our community, its our diversity that that makes for a safe, and much for fulfilling community. I would be more than pleased to attend any all initiatives and events. I don't have to be elected to ensure that as I stated before I am intolerant of hatred , racism or bigotry . I have lived my past 69 years living by this code. Kindest regards Dan Hello Jill and community,
Thanks for taking the time to send me these questions, I can say I’m not as knowledgeable as I could be about the 2SLGBTQ+ community but there is always room for growth and learning. 1.I totally support changing the flag resolution and would vote in favour of it. 2. I can understand how hurtful hate speech can be to people and it is very unfortunate. I think as much education and information people can receive on the repercussions this action has on peoples lives can go along way. To combat this I think continued acknowledgment and education to people who have little understanding about what is going on. The town has taken a step in the right direction with the EDI committee and hopefully we continue with that. 3. I would be open to attending a training session and to build relationships with the local community. Petawawa is a great community to live in and I hope to make it as inclusive as possible. Thanks Adam Driscoll Hello Jill,
I truly believe that the current by-law in Petawawa needs to be reviewed so that we can better understand the needs of our community. Petawawa should be inclusive of all of its citizens no matter their sexual oriantation, colour or creed. I will work towards modernizing the current by-law so that we can achieve this goal in a responsible manner. I thank you for your time. Thanks for the email and the questions, please see my answers below.
1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada? Short Answer YES, I would support this. Long Answer -- how long and how wide is the sidewalk? Where would you like it? Is it painted? Who pays for it, The Town, Your Organization? 50/50? Does your organization have a plan laid out? Overall, I feel together as team we can come up with a solution. 2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County? As I am not aware of the ins and outs of how the town office works, however it does seem simple to promote your event just like the town promotes any other event that happens? 3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults? EDUCATION!!! I will be the first to admit I am uneducated on they/them and non- binary. I hear and see these words used every so often, and I just don't understand it. I have been asking questions when I get the opportunity, sadly this is few and far between. We need to educate so all can understand. Sometimes when people don't understand, this turns into fear, fear turns into hate. These are my honest answers, I want people and organizations to see me as who I am. Thanks for reaching out, Very Best Andrew Dick Renfrew Pride's response to Andrew Dick's questions. Thank you so very much for your prompt response! In response to your questions: Pride Sidewalk - the sidewalk was passed unanimously by the sitting council, however the work will not be completed until next year. This means the sidewalk will come back to council for a new decision. We had a meeting yesterday to lay out the logistics of what this would look like and CAO Robert Tremblay is sending us a report on our meeting. Tentatively, the plan is to place three flags on the sidewalk beside town hall. Each flag would be three sidewalk blocks long and would be painted. Renfrew Pride is committed to obtaining at least 50% of the sponsorships and fundraising to cover costs. Pride Events - We'll be figuring this out together. We've held our first successful Pride events this year and the Town's cooperation and support was a huge reason for our success. As we grow, we hope to work with the town to not only create successful events but to boost tourism and economic development by demonstrating Renfrew as an inclusive and progressive community. Inclusive Community - Thank you for your honesty. I know it can be overwhelming when trying to educate ourselves and our community is constantly evolving. It's our intention to partner with Jill Holroyd of PFlag Renfrew County to meet with the new council, as well as town staff to answer those questions. Renfrew Pride began during the pandemic and shortly after our first events I had major surgery. So we're still working towards reaching out to the Town of Renfrew to help educate and inform the community as a whole on LGBTQ2S+. I'm also available anytime to answer your questions. As long as folks are asking with a genuine desire to understand, I'm a safe space for any questions, judgment free. Andrew Dick's final response. Thanks for all of this. If the sitting council unanimously passed - I will not go against there decision -- seeing all my questions were answered - I would 100% continue to support this! Pride Events -- YES -- Tourism, getting people into our town, I know Toronto is MUCH bigger than Renfrew, but look at there event - it's awesome. No reason we cannot continue to work together to make your event HUGE! Community -- I welcome you with OPEN ARMS to any meeting to educate me and I am sure the new sitting council Thanks for all of your responses Andrew Answers
1: I will proudly continue to support and participate in all pride related events and initiatives 2. I do Not tolerate hate speech or the spreading of false information and I am not shy about standing up to this behaviour. 3. I absolutely will participate in and educate myself with any training offered. I will proudly build a relationship with Pride and Pflag groups. Thank you for reaching out Jackie Agnew 1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
I am in full support a of a more diverse and inclusive community. If people want to decorate and show their pride - I will be there to support your fundraising efforts whole heartedly. 2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County? Start by having a running dialogue with event organizers. Communication is key when trying to organize events. In my opinion things don't seem to pan out very well if people only talk once or twice - things get forgotten. 3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults? Consider registering Renfrew Pride as a charity and start fundraising more. When the time is right, of course. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
I have and will continue to support the Pride sidewalk. For me it’s more than a painted sidewalk. It’s a strong message to the LGBTQ2S+ community, their families and Allies that not only does Renfrew support you but we want you to feel safe and free to walk in YOUR community. Unfortunately there is still more work to do so people feel safe and free. We will get there 2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County? I believe the Town needs to support all Pride events but to also partner with Renfrew Pride to develop an all inclusive / pride festival with the opportunity to not only celebrate but to also learn and educate. It is also a great economic development/tourism opportunity for the town as well. We need to stand with you against the hate and misinformed 3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults? Renfrew has recently received a grant that has been in the works for sometime. The goal is to facilitate educational opportunities for town staff and the community. Do community round-tables and events to learn what is needed, what is not working and own what we need to do better and do it. The town needs a strong relationship with not only Renfrew Pride but also PFlag Renfrew county so we are getting appropriate, and accurate information and education. We need to listen, continue to learn, advocate by standing up and correcting ignorance. We need to recognize that there is much more work to do to achieve this. We need to prioritize to commit to making Renfrew a safe and all inclusive community.
Yours very truly, Ian Kuehl |