New Advisory Council to help Government of Canada develop an apology for injustices faced by LGBTQ2 communities

From: Privy Council Office

News Release

Ottawa, September 18, 2017 – 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.

Quotes

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.

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Privy Council Office
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