I grew up in Kitchener - Waterloo where our community was very multicultural, took a women's sociology course, worked at camps where people were safe to be themselves and traveled quite a lot. I don't think folks fully grasp how monstrous some individuals are to BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ physical and mental health. Typically you hear there is no problem in government with hate speech, racism etc. however, the person often presenting that idea are not part of the community. So, first  step is there is a problem.
 
Second, connecting with the communities to see what they need and how we can help as a municipality.
 
third and the most important part is council speaks with by-laws and policies. I have begun the search for what Ottawa and other areas do in terms of supporting these communities. Although many candidates will search themselves for the answers I prefer to look outside to see what other communities are doing to help support these incredible people.
 
quickly read over these documents:
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/resources/Multi-year-Diversity-Accessibility-and-Inclusion-Plan_FINALaccess.pdf
https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/lgbtq_ss_en.pdf
 
This document is for municipal leaders who want to create equity and inclusion
https://www.cawi-ivtf.org/sites/default/files/publications/advancing-equity-inclusion-web_0.pdf
 
fourth, be a leader in the community who not only promotes inclusion of all but calls people out for inappropriate behaviour.
 
I wish I had more time to talk about this and would love to hear your feedback and thoughts on how I could help as well.
 
Jim Butterworth
 

1.  I am extremely supportive of all these initiatives and think we must look for other ways to demonstrate that anti-2SLGBTQ are not only discouraged but also not tolerated. I am a proud supporter of pride initiates and always do my part to provide safe and inclusive spaces for all members of this community. I will continue to do this regardless of the election outcome. I will continue to promote awareness, education and work towards Pembroke becoming an inclusive community. 

2.  I believe in accountability. We must start holding people responsible for their inappropriate and dangerous behaviours. A city council must protect all members of their community especially those most vulnerable. We have to take deliberate action to demonstrate that we do not tolerate this behaviour and city council must set the example for this.
We also have to create more overtly safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQ community. More places like Studio Dreamshare, psychotherapist, healthcare providers that can hold space for the needs of this community. We have to train individuals to address the cultural needs of 2SLGBTQ individuals and that should start with the city. We also need a space to just listen to hear about the needs and the experiences of individuals before we can move anything forward. 

3.  This question nests into the response from the previous question. I absolutely will and am committed to all pride initiatives. I will continue to provide a healthcare setting that is safe and inclusive, I will continue to hold space to listen, I will continue to educate myself and participate in events and build relationships with the Pflag and Pride groups. 

1.  Yes I will support any form of education for the public in terms of events etc.  I do not attend very many events due to the fact that my family life is very busy.  I may attend if my schedule permits but will certainly support.

2.  I think that changing the opinion of generations is one that takes more education.  Stigma attached to how one identifies exists everywhere and with continuous education in a safe space for others who do not understand what each category of SELF means should continue.

3.   I welcome those opportunities. 
​
Thank you.
Patricia Lafreniere

Hi there, I appreciate your questions and hope you find my responses helpful. 

#1 Absolutely as long as respectfulness and tastefulness are at the fore front of these events and monuments. All should be included and recognized for who they are without increasing labeling and bigotry.

#2 I feel media has a lot to blame for sensationalizing situations and people good and bad and is sadly out of my control. I do agree with the Canadian Constitution and the United Nations Charter of Rights as Zig stated but also as elected individuals we need to be open to conversations with all individuals gathering information from them as to what they deal with and educate the public factually.

#3 I will commit to receiving information, joining learning sessions and plans to combat the stigmas and labels being created. I will get involved where possible and continue to educate people on how to be "good neighbors to all ".

Thankyou for reaching out.
Kelly Reinert Lavigne 

1. I enjoy seeing these and other signs of inclusion throughout my community, and directly connect to question two.
 
2. By showing public displays of acceptance we discourage negativity around our community.
 
3. I love learning new skills, and will take any free training.
 
Shawn Henry
Running for
Bonnechere Valley Councilor 

1.
​As the only openly 2SLGBTQ+ candidate in the Pembroke election, I will definitely continue to attend, support, and participate in Pride-related events and activities. In addition to my participation in these activities, I have also been involved in the planning of many of them, especially for youth. I had the privilege of being the program coordinator for the Rainbow Art Club program, which saw dozens of 2SLGBTQ+ youth access art lessons and mentoring from 2SLGBTQ+ adults.
 
2.
This is personal to me, not only as a Queer person myself, but as a mentor to many local 2SLGBTQ+ youths. Anti-2SLGBTQ+ language happens often in the Valley – Just last week, I was in a restaurant in a nearby town and at the table next to me there were a couple of people complaining that Pembroke now raised the pride flag every June for pride month saying that they would hate to see that happen in their community.  
 
As City Councillor, I will ensure that all decisions I make include an equity lens. One key component of the Team Forward platform is to develop pathways for under-represented members of the community to access leadership positions within the City of Pembroke,
including political roles and management. This includes committee positions - The diversity committee shouldn’t be the only diverse committee. In my opinion, more diverse leadership will lead to better decisions.
 
3.
Absolutely. I have and will continue to attend these types of training. I believe that councillors should always be learning more, so we can make better decisions. I also hope to also bring that voice to the council table, to encourage other councillors to learn and attend Pride events. ​

Thanks for reaching out with this information and questions.  The statistics you provide below are shocking and elected leaders must work hard to ensure our communities are safe, inclusive and welcoming to everyone without exception.  I applaud community organizations like PFlag Canada for their advocacy, peer support and resources they offer.  If elected I will support and participate in Pride-related initiatives.  Hate speech, misinformation and even false information is a threat for many within Renfrew County and something we all need to work hard to address.  Our municipal leaders have to be committed to our Community Safety and Well-Being plans, plus working with inclusive committees, task forces, community groups and advocacy groups to increase awareness and understanding. I am committed to learning more about 2SLGBTQ issues, building relationships and training.
 
If there are any other questions please don't hesitate to reach out.
 
Neil Nicholson

1.
Symbols of a welcoming and safe community are essential to moving Pembroke forward. I actively support the creation and display of these symbols in my daily life as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and supporter of diversity broadly. I have sponsored through my corporation a stripe on the sidewalk every year and I have added support both financially and in my time and effort to Pride activities. I also ensure my space at the firm’s HQ downtown is inclusive and welcoming to all. We display the pride signage year-round and we have invested in developing our space with key moments of inclusion - gender neutral washrooms and inclusion training for all of our staff, as examples. As a councillor, my values and commitment to this will not change. In fact, I will be able to contribute to helping advance the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan that will be prepared in time for this upcoming term. Our firm, With Chela Inc., has the great honour of building this plan working with community and we must take action on its recommendations.

2.
Firstly, I’d like to say that the way you’ve worded this question is exactly how I feel about this issue. Dangerous. We cannot allow our position of public office to be the place to spread misinformation and harmful remarks about a community we do not identify with, have not been educated in, or have not taken the time to speak with. I will take a firm stance at the Council table to call anyone to account on their hurtful remarks should this occur. We need to stand up and be OK with having difficult conversations with our colleagues and calling them to account. We can no longer accept Council members showing up to meetings with no education on the issues nor sense of lived experiences and use that platform to ask the questions they should have asked of themselves prior to coming to the meeting. It is no longer acceptable in any position of leadership to be ignorant to this. It’s harmful and our people deserve better. We have to put it all on the line for folks who feel unsafe. It’s just common sense - we’d do this exact thing to protect our children and people in any other issue of physical safety. Why is this one, which compromises physical, psychological, and emotional safety, being allowed to continue? Not OK.
I am also committed to spreading this culture of accountability in the community and the media. Our local media is actively contributing to this problem and is not even balancing the conversation or commentary, let alone standing firmly to reject stories that cause harm. We can also do better on social media to protect our platforms from being a source of misinformation and hatred.
I am of a passionate heart and firm mind on this issue overall. This narrative HAS to change. I am deeply committed and know how we can. It means listening. Learning. Taking stories of harm and oppression at face value that we cannot live. And we need to put a plug in anything that challenges the truth of what people are actually experiencing here.
​
3.
My commitment to this has been in place for much longer than this campaign. And I am not interested in backing off, rather ramping up. I will commit to developing trusting relationships with my community and build an understanding, as far as my human limitations can, to the issues of importance and why. I will always take a seat of learning and listening to such key human realities. I will also commit to being a formidable advocate for these issues and help to advance equity and belonging through all of my leadership and community roles - and living my identity.

1.  Yes, I would support a tangible way to support and recognize the 2SLGBTQ community. If the community feels a crosswalk is a suitable and appropriate approach, then I would support that on the basis that it can be done within any laws that govern formal roadway crosswalks. I would be open to and support other ideas raised by the 2SLGBTQ community as well. 

2.  I would support new/enhanced methods of communicating accurate, relevant, and timely information. I would support exploring new/enhanced services that could bring safety and security to members of the 2SLGBTQ community. 

3.  My personal knowledge and understanding of the 2SLGBTQ community and the issues they face is admittedly limited, so I would be interested in learning more about these issues from the community.
​
Thanks
Tom Vaughan

1.
Absolutely! The discussions have already begun but I feel the need to take it deeper. A Crosswalk is just a symbol, I want to help create a more inclusive and safe space for our students, young people and adults alike.

2.
Working with Jill, we were able to pass the by-law to have the Pride Flag raised for the first time in 2019. Raising it with Jill and my then 6yr old daughter Lennan was my proudest moment as a Deep River Councillor.  In 2022 we were able to have our first ever Pride Walk in Deep River and had an amazing turnout. I am known in my community as a strong Ally to the 2SLGBTQ community and have been involved in the planning and promotion of anything rainbow. We all worked hard to pull off the walk this year and I plan to always be a voice and Ally. I reach out to have student volunteers from our local high-school who are part of the community to help with events and I always make sure they feel safe and included. Being re-elected as a Councillor allows me a voice at the table where policy is made. I have been and will always be known as a strong Ally to the 2SLGBTQ community.

3.
I feel as though I already have a strong relationship with Jill and PFLAG as we have worked together for years now and while my relationship with Brie and the Queer Connection is new-ish, we pulled off one heck of a Pride walk this year and I look forward to seeing all the amazing events I can support for them. I have participated in safe space training in multiple places and have a visible rainbow in my office letting anyone and everyone know it's a safe place. I admit I still have a lot to learn and would be happy to facilitate any training or inclusivity event in Deep.

Thank you to Jill and PFLAG and Brie with The Deep River Queer Connection for taking the time to reach out to us ♡ Love is Love

1. 
If elected as Councilor in the Township of Bonnechere Valley, I would continue to advocate for marginalized communities, as I have done throughout my entire career. The meaning of the 2SLGBTQ acronym is complex to many people.  Leveraging my background in Marketing and Communications, I would lend my expertise to break down the complexities of the definition to inform the community at large what 2SLGBTQ means, offer interactive dialogue via workshops, community programing, digital strategies, and promotion of pride-related activities. Regardless of sexual orientation, all people deserve thier rights and freedoms in a democratic society. Change takes time and in smaller communities where there is a smaller population, greater attention needs to be given to 2SLGBTQ as the level of service and mental health supports are not the same as large urban centres.  In addition, as the Chair of the Bonnechere Valley Youth Action Committee, I would work with Pflag Renfrew County for 2SLGBTQ programming - whether it is counseling, creative arts, athletics or social events. 

2.
As a communications professional, I would call out the groups spreading hate speech with the goal to inform and educate.  I would publicly address ‘hate speech and false information’ with the facts – to lead by example via advocacy, accountability and transparency.  Address the issues and offer solutions, with the right partners by my side. Develop communication strategies to continually offer storytelling and raise awareness to dispel hate language in order to build an all inclusive community.

3.
​Yes, I am absolutely committed to being part of the solution for the 2SLGBTQ community.  I have a big voice and advocacy is part of my DNA.  I have three teen boys who keep me apprised of what is happening day to day with youth.  They are confused by the issues and acronym, and if they are asking questions, then I as their mom and community leader need to find solutions to effectively communicate to all concerned citizens.  I lived in the pride community in Toronto in my early 20’s; I witnessed many wrongs but was also part of a revolution that will continue for years to come and one I’m happy to be part of. 

1.  Yes I support these events and would be happy to participate.
 
2.  I think by keeping conversation and dialogue open there is less chance and opportunity for misinformation to be spread. It is when we don’t discuss these important issues openly that false information and rumours spread. If elected I am open to any discussion to combat this trend.
 
3.  Absolutely.

Aly thank you for your email. In general I have always given consideration to all requests that have come to Council. I will continue to do so for any community group and in that process will listen to all opinions as they relate to the topic to be addressed. As for your specific request you will find blow my responses to the questions in your email. I look forward to more discussion moving forward.

1. 
Arnprior is unique whereby we have established numerous Advisory Committees to gain input and information to help us address areas of responsibility and concern to our Residents. As for the Arnprior Pride initiatives Council has established the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee. The Committee like other Advisory Committees will review and discuss the requests and make a recommendation to Council. At that time all the information will be available to Council members to consider and debate and provide direction to staff.
As in the past, I will continue to support and give serious consideration to all requests from Arnprior Pride and the Committee’s recommendations. Council will discuss the request and a majority vote at the Council table will provide staff direction on any requests bought forward.

2.
I feel that real honest dialogue between Council and Council members individually with Arnprior Pride as an organization and on an individual basis is a good base to begin the process. This would include the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee of course. But more individual and small group discussions will help Council members including myself gain more knowledge and insight of individuals personal perspectives on issues.
Formal education process will continue through our Human Resource Department and be made available to Staff, Council and I would like to see it also be provide to the Community at large for consideration.

3.
As I indicated above to build on the process of open real dialogue and conversations one a more individual basis. Then using that knowledge and understanding for Council, Staff and Arnprior Pride to demonstrate the understanding and cooperation to the Community at large. This I think will bring a more willingness to LISTEN and Learn on both sides and gain a level of understanding that can begin to bring all together.
Thank again for your interest in the election process and our Community as a whole.
Respectfully,
Walter Stack

​Thank you for reaching out to me for my comments.
My goal as a municipal councillor has always been to help all citizens in the Town of Arnprior feel safe, supported and protected. Everyone has the right to make their own choices and decisions for their life’s path.
I will continue to live my life with this philosophy whether elected to council or not. I was raised with teachings from my parents to treat everyone the same way I want to be treated. There are no exceptions to this. While not all initiatives can receive financial support, I will do what I can to support Arnprior Pride.
Collaboration is a critical leadership skill. It is important to hear and work with all stakeholders in our Town.
I am happy to work with Arnprior Pride and be part of collaborative efforts. I promise to continue learning about the ways I can be supportive. When we know better, we do better.
Education is critical. We need to continue finding ways to help all members of our community learn how they can play a role in making Arnprior a safe and Inclusive Community.

1.
I sure will, supporting local Pride initiatives within our town will only help create a more inclusive and safe community for our LGBTQ+ youth and adults to call home.
Honest disclosure: I was in support of one crosswalk; with the trans chevron incorporated into the rainbow, similar to the local Arnprior Pflag lawn signs. I still support this option.

2.
Having an opportunity to meet and talk with Pride community members would be a great initiative for collaboration and transparency. Having an opportunity to share our similarities and differences will foster better understandings, can educate and hopefully create a more inclusive Arnprior. I would certainly gain from this experience and would feel more confident when speaking on LGBTQ+ issues. Building an open, honest and respectful working relationship with the Pride community will make me a  better community leader.
3.  
The formation of the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee was forward progress and was a reactive response to a difficult time. Continuing to harness the successes of this committee and honest and respectful communication from everyone will lead to a more proactive approach in making Arnprior a safer and inclusive community. If we continue to educate ourselves, communicate and look for similarities in others rather than differences we might just turn into the happiest town around!

I came across the video years ago, it certainly resonates with me. Its from Denmark and title “TV2 All that we share”, it’s certainly worth a look. https://youtu.be/jD8tjhVO1Tc

Thank you for taking the time to ask candidates these important questions regarding Arnprior Pride initiatives within the Town of Arnprior. As someone who grew up a Gay man in Arnprior I would have loved to have these initiatives in place when I was younger and I am so thankful for all the work Arnprior Pride and PFlag have done in the town in the last few years. Yes there is more work to be done and I am committed to making Arnprior a safer place for the 2SLGBTIA+ community. 

1. 
Yes I will continue to support Arnprior Prides initiatives within the Town of Arnrpior. It is also very important that we continue to celebrate Pride year round and not just in June and the summer months. I am aware that it takes alot of work to plan and organize such initiatives and I know that communication and collaboration with the town will make planning events much easier. If elected councillor I will commit to voting in favour of installing the trans flag crosswalk,  and will advocate for yearly funding to help repaint both the crosswalks. I would also commit to raising the Progress Pride flag at all town facilities during the entire month of June instead of only for one week. 

2.
Communication and collaboration is needed between council and all community organizations. I agree that better partnership will be needed with Arnprior Pride and the incoming council to ensure that every voice is heard. As someone who is part of the community I will be a diverse voice at the council table. If elected I also plan to improve the Diversity and Inclusion committee and make it more a community led initiative rather than a town led sub committee. We need more community input on this topic and I would like to see a seat at this table for every organization that deals with marginalized communities in Arnprior, meaning a seat would be dedicated to Arnprior Pride on this committee. I also think that I can strengthen the relationship between Council and Arnprior Pride as I have experience being involved in current Pride initiatives in Arnprior, in addition to that I also have experience in working on Pride initiatives with the Renfrew County District School Board during my time as Student Trustee and Trustee for the past 6 years. To improve that open communication councillors could be invited to a few Arnprior Pride meetings a year and bring an up to date report on what is happening in the community. 
​
3. 
The town of Arnprior needs to commit to create a safe and inclusive community for 2SLGBTIA+ youth and adults. Doing this is not going to be an easy task and education needs to be put at the forefront of this. By educating people about Gender Indentiy and Sexual Orientation, and the history of the community it can help people who have different views change their mind about the subject at hand. For example, the town could host a speaker series on such topics at the Public Library or Museum that could bring community members together. I would also like to see a Diversity training program implemented that all businesses and organizations can take part in. This will help create safer places in the community. Additionally, I would like to see more recreation programming targetted to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for both seniors and youth.

1) If elected, I will absolutely continue to support initiatives that help improve this community for all its members. Everyone in Arnprior deserves to feel safe and comfortable within the community.

2)I think a way I can strengthen a working relationship with the Pride community is by being available to listen to the issues and concerns. I think it’s important to listen and learn before making decisions that impact different communities. The only way to do this, is by talking with community reps and working together to make improvement in the areas needed.

3) I believe that there are things this town could do to help create a safe and inclusive community, such as using town buildings for social events. Once again I would want to hear, and understand more, the challenges and issues that exist, but would work to resolve these issues.
​
Thank you for your time,
Jake

1.
I am dedicated to working with and continuing supporting current Arnprior Pride community initiatives. Ensuring that those in the LGBTQ+ community are respected and heard as key members of our community. I am open to any recommendation from the Inclusivity and Diversity Advisory Committee on any expansion of initiatives. I am committed to listening and learning from those of all different perspectives and backgrounds in our community. 

2.
Arnprior Pride is a really important community initiative that has done great work in building bridges to parts of the community that have often not been heard. 
There are plenty of areas that council can have a more active role in facilitating a collaborative relation with Arnprior Pride. Municipal grant funding proposals can always be part of the conversation with initiatives going forward. In kind donated services from the town are also an area where that conversation can continue in the future, for example waiving community hall rentals or park fees for fundraising drives. Partnerships with the recreation department are also areas that can broaden that inclusive environment throughout our town and build a better working relationship with the Pride community.  

3. 
I am a big believer that we are all a part of team Arnprior. Regardless of background or perspective, as members of this community we all need to stand together in order to make this community safe and inclusive for all members of the community. Creating that safe and inclusive environment starts with listening to the differing perspectives and experiences of those on the Inclusivity and Diversity Advisory Committee especially in planning policy. There are areas in which we as community leaders and staff at town hall can learn from these differing perspectives through training for example. It all comes back to that feeling of community, that everyone in Arnprior is respected and most importantly listened to going forward. That we all, no matter your background, are on team Arnprior and when you succeed we all succeed.