Community round-table discussion with Special Advisor Randy Boissonnault

January 27, 2017

A number of community groups gathered at QMUNITY on January 25th, 2017 to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s special advisor on LGBTQ/2S issues, Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre.

Those gathered came to discuss the needs and priorities of the local queer, trans, and Two-Spirit communities.

This was the first local opportunity of many to engage Boissonnault in conversation about the Government of Canada’s apology to the LGBTQ/2S communities, the reparations to be made to members , and explore what needs to be done to further uphold the human rights of our communities in the future.

“We are hoping that this is the beginning of a process,” said QMUNITY’s executive director Dr. CJ Rowe when Boissonnault was appointed, “that will not only address past harms to members of the LGBTQ/2S communities but will engage in the process that will tackle contemporary issues being faced by members of our communities members day in and day out.”

Since the mission of Boissonnault’s appointment is to be undertaken within the duration of the Prime Minister’s tenure, QMUNITY hopes that this will open the door to more opportunities for addressing the needs of our communities.

Rowe said, “QMUNITY looks forward to being involved in the process as things move forward.”