New Advisory Council to help Government of Canada develop an apology for injustices faced by LGBTQ2 communities Français
OTTAWA, Sept. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking action to apologize for the injustices experienced by LGBTQ2 individuals, their families, partners, and communities as a result of federal legislation, policies, and programs.
Today, Member of Parliament Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues, announced the creation of an advisory council to assist in the formulation of an inclusive and meaningful apology directed at Canadians harmed by these policies.
Mr. Boissonnault will co-chair the advisory council along with Madame Marie-Laure Leclercq, a strong voice for transgender rights in Quebec and across Canada.
The advisory council is composed of 11 individuals from across the country whose perspectives are informed by their lived experience, knowledge, expertise, and links to LGBTQ2 communities.
The Government of Canada is committed to creating opportunities for dialogue with those affected by past wrongs, as well as LGBTQ2 organizations and individuals as we continue with the development of the apology. The Advisory Council is one avenue of engagement; stakeholder outreach and bilateral conversations with Mr. Boissonnault and with Government Officials are ongoing.
Quote
Our government believes in the equality and dignity of all Canadians regardless of whom they love or how they express who they are. To move forward in our fight against intolerance we must acknowledge past harms done to the LGBTQ2 community.
‑ Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues
Quick Facts
- Bill C-16, which received Royal Assent in June, adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act. It also extends hate crimes protection to include offences motivated by prejudice, bias, or hate based on gender identity or expression.
- The Government of Canada has also introduced measures to repeal Section 159 of the Criminal Code to end its discriminatory impact on consensual same sex sexual activity.
- Share your support and pride by following @freetobeme_ca on Twitter and using the #FreeToBeMe hashtag.
Related Product
- Backgrounder: Advisory council
BACKGROUNDER
New Advisory Council to help Government of Canada develop an apology for injustices faced by LGBTQ2 communities
The Government of Canada has committed to an apology for injustices experienced by LGBTQ2 individuals, their families, partners and communities as a result of federal legislation, policies and programs.
To help ensure that an apology is inclusive and meaningful, an advisory council comprised of stakeholders has been created to provide advice to the Government.
The council's 11 members are individuals whose perspectives reflect their lived experience, knowledge, expertise, and links to LGBTQ2 communities. The advisory council will be co-chaired by the Special Advisor and by Madame Marie-Laure Leclercq, a lawyer and activist from Quebec.
The advisory council will provide advice on the scope and issues to be addressed in an apology for discrimination faced by LGBTQ2 people living in Canada, their partners, families (chosen or otherwise) and communities. It will also advise on appropriate and respectful content and language for the apology to acknowledge the scope and impact of these injustices, and will advise on key aspects of a federal reconciliation agenda with LGBTQ2 communities.
Along with Member of Parliament Boissonnault, the following individuals are on the council:
- Albert McLeod
- Svend Robinson
- Helen Kennedy
- Laurent Maurice Lafontant
- Marni Panas
- Kate Shewan
- Marie-Laure Leclercq
- Sue Genge
- Reverend Gary Paterson
- Shelley Colter
Stay Connected
Follow us on Twitter.
SOURCE Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues
(media only): Media Relations , Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420
Share this article