With elections just around the corner, GayCalgary.com Magazine gave the election candidates in the Calgary area the opportunity to express their viewpoints regarding certain issues that concern the Calgary gay, lesbian, bi, and trans-identified community. These four questions were asked of each candidate:
Question 1: Despite the fact that same sex marriage is currently constitutional law, do you favor Stephen Harper’s plan to send the issue to a free vote if the conservative party takes power. Do you support the idea of using the “notwithstanding clause” if necessary to re-open this issue?
Question 2: If are elected, what support or consideration would you show for the Gay and Lesbian community here in Calgary and across Canada?
Question 3: In general, what would you do for your riding and for Canada if you get elected?
Question 4: If elected, would you consider actively supporting or participating in core cultural events in the gay community, such as Gay Pride, the Gay Rodeo (ARGRA/IGRA), Gay Sporting events (Apollo Western Cup) and so on throughout the year?
Their responses were as follows:
Calgary Centre Riding
Heesung Kim, Liberal
Q1. I don’t favour reopening an issue that has already been decided. However, if I were to win and there were a free vote on the issue, I would vote in favour of equal rights for all Canadians. I do not support using the notwithstanding clause on any issue, I believe the Charter must be respected if we are to protect equal rights.
Q2. If elected, I would show the same support and consideration as for every other worthy community or group in my constituency. Across Canada, I would show the same support and consideration as for any other deserving minority group, where issues arise and such support and consideration is needed.
Q3. I would promote the best interests of my riding, within the framework of my vision of Canada as a compassionate, cooperative society that protects equal rights and opportunities for all Canadians. I would work to address my priority issues, which are:
Heath care, Education, and Community issues. I would provide an open-minded, reasoned and balanced viewpoint and voice for Calgary Centre.
Q4. Yes, if elected, I would support and participate in all activities that I were invited to from my constituents as my schedule allowed.
Brian Pincott, NDP
Q1. Emphatically Not!
Q2. The Gay and Lesbian population is an integral party of our community. As such, I will continue to take part in as many events and activities as possible. I believe in the celebration of who we are, and recognizing and celebrating all aspects of society.
Q3. This is a tough question to answer, given the emphasis on brevity! But, I would continue in my work to grow and foster sustainable communities; Communities where everyone is included and valued; Communities that recognize that we need to have vision, that we need to grow based upon sustainability. A community that understands that we can no longer deal with individual issues in a narrow way, that recognizes the interconnection of social, environmental and economic issues.
Q4. I sure will! I need to expand my tight-assed hetero horizons! I have only ever participated in Gay Pride to date.
Trevor Grover, Canadian Action Party
Q1. I support gay marriage, as I did in the last election. I do not support wasting the time of parliament or that of the gay community by reopening an issue which has already been dealt with. It is an essential human right that Gay’s and Lesbians in our country have the option to marry. This is an act that strengthens our country and has made us an example to the world in the arena of human rights.
Q2. As the MP for Calgary Centre I would be delighted to be involved in events and programs pertaining to the Calgary Gay and Lesbian Community. I have a number of friends in this city who are gay or lesbian and I would like to be the representative of parliament at local events sponsored by them and for them. I would also support more education programs to end the silent culture of hate and hate crimes that directly affect the Calgary and Canadian Gay community. A toughening of the Anti-Hate laws would definitely warrant review as well.
Q3. For my riding I would offer a voice in parliament unlike any currently hindered by partisan politics. Our party seeks to reform the nation’s monetary system to create a dynamic economy unfettered by inflation and unemployment. My role as an MP would be to actively and aggressively pursue this notion in the nation’s capital. Overall, I would seek to represent my city as an example of strength, tenacity and vocal representation for a region that suffers from backbench blisters and impotent debate involvement.
Q4. Absolutely! I’m not much of a bull-rider though, so could I perhaps be given a microphone to act as an emcee?
Conservative Lee Richardson and Green John Johnson
These candidates did not respond in time for press.
Calgary Centre - North Riding
Matthew Moody, Liberal
Q1. No, Bill C-38 represented the issue, was voted on accordingly and should be respected. Also, I would not support use of the “notwithstanding clause” to override the Charter.
Q2. I feel it is the government’s duty to ensure fair and unbiased treatment, allowing all Canadians to achieve the fullest, positive potential in life.
Q3. Firstly, to respect and listen to the constituents of the riding as their voice in government. To uphold the letter and the spirit of the charter of rights. To improve the management of government, thereby providing Canadians with a more cost effective public service.
Q4. If I were invited to one of these events, I would certainly endeavour to attend.
Mark Andrew MacGillivray, Green Party
Q1. No. One of the key values of the Green Party is ‘Respect for Diversity’. We need to respect an individual’s choice of life partner.
Q2. I think that the Gay and Lesbian community, as well as the bi- and transgendered community, would simply like to be treated fairly, like everyone else.
Q3. The Green Party would build a more competitive economy than the ruling Liberals or the Conservatives by focusing on green-collar jobs, energy conservation and alternative energy. We would bring in a proportional representation voting system, including changing the Leader’s Debate criteria to include those parties receiving public funding. We would have our health care system focus more on keeping people healthy than on waiting for people to get sick before taking action.
Q4. I would be honoured to participate in any of those events. The Green Party has been involved in the Gay Pride Parade in 2004 and will be involved in the future.
John Chan, NDP
Q1. No and no. The NDP has been a long-time supporter of equal marriage for lesbians and gays.
Q2. I will be willing to work actively with the Gay and Lesbian community in Calgary to ensure that issues of importance to that community are kept in front of both local politicians and the federal government. Issues such as benefits and pension rights for same-sex partners are examples of ones I strongly support.
Q3. I believe that politics should be about people and the environment. For people I would campaign for equal treatment for all and any groups that suffer discrimination, including specifically the gay and lesbian community.
Q4. I would happily support and be willing to participate in events in the gay community.
Jim Prentice, Conservative
This candidate did not respond in time for press.
Calgary East Riding
Dobie To, Liberal
Q1. No, I don’t support that idea.
Q2. I would support the Human Rights protection for all minorities with regard to freedom and the Charter of Rights.
Q3. For the riding: full employment, health care, and post-secondary education.
Q4. I would participate in some of the functions.
Deepak Obhrai, Conservative
Thank you for your interest and for sending this survey. I regret to inform you that we are unable to respond in time for the deadline tonight. If a late submission would still be helpful for you - let me know and we can send something. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Mark Taylor, Green Party
Q1. Greens, as policy, support the right of gays and lesbians to marry. It is one of our six basic values to respect diversity, including sexual diversity. Interesting factoid for you: Chris Lea, leader of the Green Party of Canada for six years, was Canada’s first openly gay political party leader. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Lea)
Q2. I have no plans to support the Gay & Lesbian community, or for that matter any cultural, sexual, racial, religious, or coloured community in any preferential manner. Probably will hang out with more greens, though.
Q3. In general, I would concentrate on staying within the riding. I think Ottawa could be a rather corrupting place. In this day and age, I don’t see why I couldn’t execute my “votes” from Calgary, too. It would be very important to me to maintain contact with the greens in my riding. We greens are different from other parties in that a green MP must represent the greens in the riding.
Q4. Not really. I don’t want people to see me as the type of politician that needs to be seen everywhere acting like everyone’s best buddy. I don’t see myself as that type of politician at all. I want to represent the values of the Green Party of Canada to one and all, and I want a strong green presence to force green ideals and thinking onto the agendas of the other political parties. I have my own entertainments, thank you.
Patrick Arnell, NDP
Q1. The New Democratic Party of Canada recognizes the equality of loving adult partnerships by extending civil marriage equality to same-sex couples, while respecting each religion’s right to determine its own definition of marriage. I do not support the idea of using the notwithstanding clause to reopen this issue.
Q2. If elected I would be proud to continue supporting the gay and lesbian community. In 2005 I participated in the Gay Pride Parade. I would gladly participate in future parades.
Q3. The NDP has shown Canadians that they get results for people. My hope is to do the same. Canadians value things like the environment, public healthcare, access to education and a society built upon mutual respect and understanding. Unfortunately here in Calgary it seems that we have elected people who do not share the same values. If elected I would work hard to see that Canadian priorities get the attention they deserve.
Q4. I participated in the 2005 Pride Parade and had a great time. If the other events are half as much fun (rodeo?!) you can count me in.
Calgary Northeast Riding
Jaswinder Johal, Liberal
Although I had a nice conversation with him on the phone, this candidate did not managed to get his responses in on time. I was assured, however, that his stance on the issues are in line with the rest of the Liberal Party.
Conservative Art Hanger, Green Trung Nguyen, and NDP Tyler Ragan
None of these candidates responded in time for press.
Calgary Southeast Riding
Eric Leavitt, NDP
Q1. My answer is a definite no to both parts of this question. The issue has been decided. The Supreme Court ruled that this is a right protected by the Charter and so is not subject to a vote. The majority does not get to put limits on human rights.
Q2. Work with the community to continue to expand awareness among Canadians that homosexuality is as natural and normal as heterosexuality, and also propose legislation as needed to eliminate overt discrimination.
Q3. My priorities will be: Ensuring that every Canadian has safe and decent housing; Making the Green economy that we all want a reality, not just a dream; Re-establishing our leadership in the world community by keeping our promise to increase international aid to 0.7% of GDP; Changing our voting system to one based on proportional representation so that all Canadians’ views count.
Q4. I have participated in the Gay Pride parade as part of the NDP and Unitarian Church contingent and will continue to do so. It would be great to participate in events such as these as an elected member of parliament.
Liberal James Ludwar, Conservative Jason Kenney, and Green Gus Gutoski
None of these candidates responded in time for press.
Calgary Southwest Riding
Michael Swanson, Liberal
Q1. Absolutely not, and absolutely not.
Q2. I would do whatever possible to address the needs, issues, and concerns of the community in Calgary and across Canada.
Q3. Represent a strong voice in Ottawa on behalf of the residents of Calgary Southwest. And I would lead public opinion to help continue to move Canada forward on matters that concern the very promising and bright future that this country has. This includes issues respecting minority rights and freedoms.
Q4. I attend a lot of these events already, so absolutely I would continue to. I would offer whatever support necessary to advance and strengthen the culture of the community.
Hon. Stephen Harper, Conservative
This candidate did not respond in time for press, despite a valiant effort by his Calgary campaign staff to get the answers through from Ottawa.
Holly Heffernan, NDP
Q1. NO I do not favor Stephen Harper’s plan to send the issue to a free vote. No I do not support using the notwithstanding clause.
Q2. The NDP has a strong record of supporting the gay community across Canada and here locally. We have an LGBT caucus who have seats on the executive and at council who help to ensure our policies positively impact the gay and lesbian community. Mr. Layton said in parliament that it was an honour “to be a member of Parliment because one is able to help make a fundamental choice, a choice that celebrates more of our rich diversity and extends that fundamental Canadian value of equality.” “Part of the long struggle of gays and lesbians for a society in which their right to a just, equitable relationship was recognized, meaning the celebration of their union.” I hope this helps to say that I, if elected will support the Gay and Lesbian community here and across Canada.
Q3. As a working nurse I am running for health care. I want to stop all public dollars going to private clinics. I do not want to see Canada go down the path of the US. where millions of Americans have no health care and a serious illness in the family can bankrupt them. In Canada everyone has healthcare and I want to keep it that way. I refuse to open health care to profiteers. There must also be respect for our seniors. They helped to build this country and contributed to our country all their lives. We must provide home care, assisted living and access to palliative care for seniors and all Canadians. …I will also dedicate myself to improving education and training rather than spending money on corporate tax cuts. We must fix student aid so that working people and the middle class can afford to give their children the skills they need. I also want to stop the softwood lumber trade war that was started by the US. I would also work on improving public transit, building affordable housing, reducing pollution and trying to meet our Kyoto obligations.
Q4. We, the NDP have participated in the gay pride parade for a number of years and have had a table there. We have marched with our friends in the gay community.
If elected and asked to speak at the Gay Rodeo or a Gay sporting event I would be proud to attend and speak or at any function that you send a request to me.
Kim Warnke, Green Party
This candidate did not respond in time for press.
Calgary West Riding
Jennifer Pollock, Liberal
Q1. Mr. Harper has not accepted the democratic vote of parliament which reflects the wishes and values of the majority of Canadians. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has provisions to protect the rights of both minorities and the the society as a whole. I don’t support the use of the “notwithstanding clause”. I find Mr. Harper’s position to be an exploitation of a vulnerable group for his own personal political interests. I believe that honouring these rights does not infringe on the religious rights of fellow citizens.
Q2. As a trustee and Chair of the Calgary Public school Board, I supported a policy to ensure the safety and security of homosexual students and staff. The issues received national attention and significant discussion throughout an election. If elected, I would continue to examine legislation for inclusiveness and as the need arises, bring issues forward for appropriate change or resolution. I would also confirm that representatives from the Gay and Lesbian are included in consultations as appropriate.
Q3. I will respectfully raise the concerns of Calgarians so that our views will influence those of the government, fellow MPs and Canadians in general. I will advocate for investment in post secondary education, research and culture. I will focus on preserving the environment and natural resources, fresh water in particular. I am proud and willing to fight to maintain a high quality public healthcare system. I would promote national unity. I will support Canada’s effort to assist international peace and human development.
Q4. Yes, if I am invited.
Conservative Rob Anders, Green Danielle Roberts, and NDP Teale Phelps Bondaroff
None of these candidates responded in time for press.
Calgary - Nose Hill Riding
Ted Haney, Liberal
Q1. I do not support the use of the “notwithstanding clause.” The issue of gay marriage has been settled, and should not come back to the parliament. The Supreme Court has ruled that this is a matter of human rights. Human rights must be protected. Please see my policy (http://www.tedhaney.ca/issues_gaymarriage.htm).
Q2. Full protection under the constitution and charter of human rights and freedom. I would consistently rebuke gay and lesbian bashers in public and private. This is what I have always done, and would continue when in public office. Most Calgarians are accepting of diversity. The voices of judgment and rejection must be countered with voices of compassion and understanding.
Q3. Strongly forward Calgary’s needs when policies and programs are being developed by government. Of key concern are: health care funding and quality; education accessibility and affordability, social support for the most vulnerable; proactive trade and taxation to encourage business investment and job creation. Calgary’s voice must be heard in the Liberal cabinet to ensure that our unique needs are understood and taken into consideration.
Q4. I look forward to attending these and Calgary’s many other cultural and sporting events in months and years to come.
Juliet Burgess, Green Party
Q1. I personally, as well as under party platform do not support Harper’s plan to send the bill to free vote. The issue of gay marriage was finally addressed and settled, and the Conservative party fails to address Social Justice issues the way a political party should. I feel all people in Canada have the right to be married and have the benefits of doing so, regardless of sexual orientation.
Q2. I feel that the LGBTTQ community in Calgary needs access to more social programs geared towards their community. The LGBTTQ community has the right to the resources most other groups in Canada are entitled to. The Green Party strongly supports the Gay community.
Q3. I will spend my resources ensuring that youth and first-time voters are approached on a personal level and are given the chance to ask questions and become informed about the political process. I would also like to be an advocate for the Green Party’s Social Justice policies that include the rights of minorities and the well being of the people.
Q4. I, personally, have participated in many Gay Pride events in the past, and will continue to support the LGBTTQ community events regardless of election results.
Bruce Kaufman, NDP
Q1. No, human rights need to be protected by government, not eroded.
Q2. All people, Gay, Lesbian, New Canadians as examples are part of the community that is Canada. We all need to ensure that people of Canada live together as contributing members, as one society, moving together.
Q3. I’ve made a commitment to use my Riding Office as a ‘one stop’ resource centre for all residents. I see it as a place everyone feels welcome. I would continue to be active with the social justice causes that I’ve committed to already and work hard to be a voice of positive change for the people of Calgary - Nose Hill.
Q4. As an active New Democratic Party member I’ve attended parades on 3 or 4 occasions and would continue to be involved as your Member of Parliament.
Diane Ablonczy, Conservative
This candidate did not respond in time for press.
