The special advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2+ issues will be in Coquitlam next week to talk with Tri-City residents.
MP Randy Boissonnault (Liberal, Edmonton Centre) will join MP Ron McKinnon (Liberal, Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam) on Wednesday, Aug. 8 to gain feedback on challenges in the LGBTQ2+ community.
The session starts at 10 a.m. in Studio B at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way); there is no cost to attend. Call 604-927-1080.
Appointed to the federal role in November 2016, Boissonnault — who is also parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian Heritage — works with LGBTQ2+ groups to promote equality, protect the rights of its members and address discrimination.
His appointment followed the release of The Just Society Report by the Egale Canada Human Rights Trust as well as the tabling of legislation (Bill C-16) to reduce the vulnerability of trans and other gender-diverse persons to discrimination and hate crimes.
Over the past year, Tri-City municipalities and organizations have taken steps to recognize the local LGBTQ2+ community with rainbow crosswalks and artwork.
The area also now has the Tri-Cities Pride Society, of which spokesperson Nicola Spurling is a city council candidate in this fall’s civic elections in Coquitlam.
