Many good questions were asked during the All-Candidates Forum. Not all were address due to to time constraints. Candidates were provided a list of all the questions posed, answered or not. I will do my best to address these questions.
Diversity and Inclusion is a topic near and dear to my heart as I have many friends and family who are members of marginalized communities. My goal in life, and as a political candidate, is to earn the title of “ally.” The title must be earned and cannot simply be claimed. It can be revoked at any time, and I will continue to do my darnedest to earn that title every single day.
How do you show support to the 2SLGBTQIANB+ community? Now and in the future.
It was the day of the first Pride Parade in Morden on the day my wife and I drove around Morden for her very first visit here. We did not plan this coincidence. When we saw the parade we slowed down, waved and honked. We then drove around the block and waved some more. My wife said to me “I want to move here.” We both want to be part of a community that celebrates everyone, and to help everyone feel comfortable in their own skin.
In Morden, there are affirming churches and organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. We need to be more than mere members of groups that support our friends and neighbours. We need to actively show our support and stand with them – shoulder to shoulder. This means attending Pride events, supporting groups like the Pembina Valley Pride, and volunteering, donating, and sponsoring them to ensure that everyone in our community feels safe and accepted.
Active Participation
We need our City Councillors to participate in Pride event and actively show support for everyone in our community. As your city councillor I have and will continue to participate in Pride events. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community has a voice.
Do you have a message for the 2SLGBTQIANB+ community?
My message to the 2SLGBTQIANB+ community is that I will forever be standing in their corner, speaking up for their rights, and doing everything I can to ensure their health, welfare, and safety. I want to earn the title of “ally.” I will continue to grow and nurture a community of caring, inclusion, and mutual respect.
You are my friends, my family, and my neighbours. I love you dearly.