Sent via email Oct. 6, 2022
Dear Candidate,
​Mayors, municipal councillors and school trustees have the power to enact policies and programs that create a safe and inclusive community: A place where everyone feels welcome to live, work, and visit.
 
Sadly, this is often not the case for Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people:

• Police-reported hate crimes against 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada rose by 64% in 2021 compared to 2020
• 62% of 2SLGBTQ students feel unsafe at school, compared to 11% of cisgender, heterosexual students
• 30% of 2SLGBTQ students have been victims of cyberbullying, compared to 8% of cisgender, heterosexual students
• 25 to 40% of young people experiencing homelessness are 2SLGBTQ 
• 40% of trans youth have attempted suicide, a rate 8x higher than for cisgender, heterosexual youth.

Working together, we can combat the societal pressures that put 2SLGBTQ people at risk, and create a community where everyone feels they belong.
 
Pflag Renfrew County (an official chapter of Pflag Canada) offers peer support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ people, along with family members and others who wish to grow in their understanding and allyship.
 
We invite you to share your views on 2SLGBTQ issues by responding to the questions below. We’ll share your answers with our members and on our website at www.pflagrenfrewcounty.ca.
 
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS
 

1. Initiatives such as Pride flag raisings, events and crosswalks are tangible ways to stand against anti-2SLGBTQ hate speech and demonstrate that this is a safe and welcoming community for all. If elected, will you support and participate in Pride-related initiatives?
2. There has been a marked increase in anti-2SLGBTQ hate speech and false information in Renfrew County that is making communities less safe for 2SLGBTQ youth and adults. If elected, how will you work to combat this dangerous trend?
3. Will you commit to learn about 2SLGBTQ issues from 2SLGBTQ people, participate in safe space training (Pflag offers this at no charge), and build relationships with your local Pflag and Pride groups? 

Thank you in advance for your reply. I look forward to hearing from you!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jill Holroyd (she/her)
Chapter Lead
Pflag Renfrew County
 
(Data sources: Statistics Canada, Egale Canada, Homeless Hub, Canadian Medical Association Journal)

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. 
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. 

I agree with the Canadian Constitution and the United Nations Charter of Rights that no one should be discriminated against based on religion, race, sexual orientation
colour or creed.
 
Thank you for your concern.
Zig Mintha Mayoral Candidate
Bonnechere Valley Township.

​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