1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
I would support a rainbow Sidewalk, and would work with Council to cover the initial cost of the sidewalk – ie painting eta. I would need to investigate the yearly cost to maintain the sidewalk, since I heard it is very expensive for upkeep. I have not confirmed that, I’m just going by what I have heard. If it’s not an expensive upkeep to maintain, I would recommend that the Town maintain, but if it was a big amount, I would work with council and the Renfrew Pride Committee to see if we could work together on maintaining the Rainbow Sidewalk. 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? The Town can promote your events by adding the event to all our media platforms, including our website. I would suggest Council to sit down with Renfrew Pride to discuss ways we could work together to help promote future events. 3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults? I believe the big piece would be though education and working with the Police and Board to see how we all could work together to make Renfrew safe for everyone. On the education piece, I must admit I wasn’t fully educated at first. I have sense taken on the lead roll with CARE BRG in Ontario and we work closely with the LGBTQ BRG, and this has opened my eyes and educated me. This type of education needs to be shared with the residences of Renfrew and surrounding area. I hope I have answered your questions, and I want to Thank You for reaching out to me. If elected I will guarantee you, I will work with Renfrew Pride, Council, and the Residences of Renfrew to make sure we are all doing the right things to make Renfrew a safe place for everyone. If elected I would love to sit down with the Pride Committee, to hear from them on how we as council could help, promote, educate, and make Renfrew a safe place. Thanks Jason Legris 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. 1: If this is a proven effective solution as you say it is then sure!
2: As a representative of the public I would look to an SME in this area for advice and a plan that has worked for other similar municipalities. 3: yes for sure! knowledge is power! Greetings, Jill and Jody
You have asked for my point of view on 2SLGBTQ issues. As a Christian, I believe that all people are created equal and should never be judged by who they are and what they believe. Love is Love and this should be the focus. I am with all God’s children. I have no right to judge. Treat your fellow citizens as you would treat yourself. Love thy neighbor. There is no place for hate in our society. Peace Best regards Dave Shulist 1.
I think it is very important that the Town of Petawawa fly the Pride flag during the month of June. To date, the Town has not flown the Pride flag because it is essentially a proclamation, and that would contravene the towns “No Proclamations” resolution. The Towns "No Proclamations" resolution was passed in 1998, and reads: “That the Council of the Town of Petawawa declines to declare any public proclamations save those which pertain to matters which are solely and completely within the immediate mandate of Council.” I am not in favour of this resolution. The town should make proclamations in support of marginalized segments of our community. The "No Proclamations" policy was intended to keep the Town neutral and controversy free. I feel that it is akin to sticking ones head on the sand. The Town must step into the 21st century and abandon this policy. Many other towns and cities make proclamations, and they manage quite nicely. There is no end to the list of reasons detractors will give as to why making proclamations won't work. It's easy to come up with excuses to not do something. If you want to get something done, you'll find a way. If you don't want to do it, you blame the rules. In June of 2021, I voted to change these rules. Because it is a standing resolution, It required a two thirds vote to change. Four Councillors voted to send this resolution back to the discussion table for modifications or to be repealed. Five votes were required, so unfortunately, the resolution still stands. Municipal government needs to support marginalized segments of society that have traditionally been wronged and discriminated against. 2SLGBTQ, Aboriginal Peoples, Women who suffer silently in violent environments, developmentally challenged people and many others. This discrimination is systemic. Over the years, elected officials have used the power of the state to discriminate against various groups of people, knowingly, and with intent. Police forces have been used aggressively, by elected governments, to further the ambitions of well seated people. This is wrong. If the Pride flag does not fly at the Petawawa municipal office in June of 2023, I will seriously question what I’m doing on council (if re-elected), and what the role of representation is. There's an old saying: "The sea of democracy is seldom without a storm" Politicians ought to expect that things will be messy at times. That's the nature of the arena. To support marginalized groups in our society, I will: • Fight for gender equity on boards and committees • Support an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee • Support efforts at reconciliation • Support efforts to ensure equity in the workplace I was interviewed a few times last year regarding support for marginalized communities. Links to the interviews are below. CFRA - Ottawa at Work with Leslie Roberts CBC - All in a Day with Alan Neal CBC - All in a Day with Alan Neal (additional coverage) 2. I am an early supporter of the soon to be formed EDI committee in Petawawa. I have been consistent and vocal in my support for the 2SLGBTQ community, and will continue to be. My hope is that the EDI committee will make our community a friendly and welcoming place for all. If elected, I will support PFLAG initiatives in the town, and will lobby fellow councillors to do so as well. Petawawa has really fallen behind the times in this area, and in the future, I want to see Petawawa take on a leadership role towards becoming a just society. A Town in which all residents are respected for who they are as individuals, and not judged as members of this or that social group. 3. 100%. Absolutely I will. I feel that I’ve been doing some positive things, but there’s always more that can be done. This training could be provided to all members of the newly elected council. 1. Personally, I recognize and fully support each and every individual's right to be who they are or how they identify within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. All our citizens should feel accepted and safe within Petawawa. I feel unsettled with our current position around the flying of the pride flag during June. In my opinion, the spirit of resolution 11 established in 1998 was to set a policy in place to address temporary or special requests within our community and the council of the day wished to remain neutral on Public Proclamations. It is not a resolution aimed specifically to restrict individual expression of self or at the Pride movement, but an enactment that at the time addressed how to handle frequent and numerous requests to 'support' causes, events and activities. The resolution also resulted in the denial of raising a Military Family Appreciation flag or Support for Medical causes.
Do I believe the resolution is outdated? I most certainly do. A resolution conceived a 1/4 of a century ago definitely needs to be reviewed and updated to reflect the current culture of our population. There is a process to address this required change, and the Town of Petawawa residents that feel strongly about the issue, either supporting or against, the change will express their opinions at the ballot box. The nature of the resolution requires a 12 month waiting period before it can be reevaluated and reviewed, which will bring us to June 2023. I have the utmost respect for our community and they will demand that the right thing be done. 2. Thank you for sharing the information wrt the trend of individuals not feeling safe in Renfrew County communities. That is unacceptable. One of the benefits of the Petawawa community as a whole is that a fair number of our residents are transitional, typically arriving in Petawawa from other communities. They will, perhaps, bring with them a more progressive view. Tapping into local events as well as county-wide events is an excellent venue for the Pflag Renfrew County to welcome and inform members of our community about the concerns and to raise awareness of your group's commitment to ensuring our community is safe and welcoming to all citizens. The Petawawa Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is an excellent venue to open up the lines of communication and awareness within Petawawa and was formally recognized at the 15 Aug Town Council Meeting. Originally proposed by Ellen Wong-Gallant and Rebecca Conroy, it will ensure citizen engagement and advocacy with regards to inclusion. This committee will be an excellent resource for town leadership to ensure decisions are in line with community interests. There is always benefit when we take the time to gather information from our entire population. If elected I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with your group with the goal of increasing awareness and acceptance of all of our citizens. 3. The opportunity to grow and develop the inclusion of all our residents by increasing my awareness and understanding is a commitment I am happy to make. Please let me know if you have any more questions or comments. Thank you. Karen Donovan 1.
Yes. I have participated in Pride-related events before and will continue to do so. I participated proudly in the Pride walk this past year and prior to COVID and will continue to participate. As a PBIA board member and city council member, I fully supported the Pride cross walk downtown. I also have the Pride banner on our lawn during Pride month and kept it up after that. 2. As a member of the Pembroke Public Library board, I advocated for the Drag Queen Story Hour, while there was false information and a lack of knowledge about the actual event. As an Ontario Certified Teacher, I read the books that were being shared with the children and gave full approval to the CAO of the Library. I will continue to call out hate speech, false information, racism when I see it. I will continue to advocate for the continuation of the Diversity Advisory committee to City Council. 3. As an educator I take part in mandatory training on diversity, inclusion, and racism. I will also commit to take part in any available safe space training. I personally always reach out to PFLAG and Pride group members when I meet them. My campaign theme/message is “Building a Community For Everyone.” That means we are all equal and deserve a community that accepts everyone. Our local, provincial, national and world community. Please contact me at 613-312-6789 or [email protected] if you would like to personally speak with me or have any questions or need more information. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. Kind regards, Brian Abdallah. 1) In answer to your question about supporting a pride sidewalk- as a town councillor I would have to look at that on behave of all residents of Renfrew including the costs for such a project which they would be paying for unless your groups plan is to partner with a private company for funds or fundraising ? Your group is also not the only one that has come forward now to be recognized and who is just as important.
2 ) In answer to your enquiry about supporting and promoting your groups events - I am president of a group who has for the past 10 years fundraised for the children of the Ottawa Valley ( Toys for Kids Ride ) We found a group to partner with, Phoenix Centre and Family Services, went out and found sponsors such as Tim Hortons, Bell Lumber , etc to help promote our event. We paid for our advertising through donations. We only asked Renfrew for the use of some space to hold the event and that was their only contribution. Our event has successfully donated funds and new toys for the Phoenix Centre to give out at Christmas to the families who might not have anything for their children otherwise. The Town of Renfrew is asked multiple times for help with numerous deserving non profit groups and unfortunately the taxpayers of Renfrew cannot support all of them so those groups need to be creative to make their events happen. Please reach out anytime if I can help. 3 ) in answer to your question of making life safer in our community for your group - Education, Education, and working closely with community police and the Renfrew Police Board. The laws we have are for everyone’s protection and I think better educating those who in the community about your group might work best. Thank you for your questions . I hope I get the opportunity to serve the people of Renfrew and to make a difference. Clint McWhirter Renfrew Town Councillor Candidate 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 |