BC Election Candidate Survey Response: Dan Grice – Independent

BC Election Candidate Response: Dan Grice - Independent

Advocacy Canada reached out to all candidates in the 2024 BC election, inviting them to share their positions on key issues affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This blog series highlights the responses received by the deadline of October 6, 2024, offering insights into where candidates stand on matters of equality, inclusion, and rights for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This content is provided for educational purposes and this is not a candidate endorsement from Advocacy Canada.

Name

Dan Grice

Email

electgrice@icloud.com

Select your political party

Independent

Select your electoral district

Chilliwack North

Website / URL

Empty

Will you advocate to strengthen anti-discrimination laws protecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in British Columbia?

Agree

Please provide details on any specific policies or initiatives you would propose.

I think the most important thing is to defend and protect the existing anti-discrimination laws. I’ve made supporting educational resources in schools a priority in my campaign. I also oppose the NDP’s attempts to abolish the law society and the rights of lawyers to set their own practice rules. The Law Society has been very strong advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ including opposing attempts to allow schools that discriminate against 2SLGBTQIA+ students open a law school.

Do you plan to improve access to healthcare services specifically tailored for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including mental health support and gender-affirming care?

Agree

Please describe any specific actions or reforms you would implement.

As a lawyer, I work with mental health professionals and appreciate the need to have access to a mental health support. I’ll be supportive of increased access.

Will you take steps to ensure that schools in British Columbia provide an inclusive and safe environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students?

Strongly Agree

Detail any programs or policies you would support to promote inclusivity in education.

I have taken a strong stand in my campaign for inclusivity in education. I will oppose attempts to use the notwithstanding clause like we saw in Saskatchewan. As a lawyer, I believe strongly in equality rights.

SOGI 123 is an essential element in creating safe and inclusive classrooms for all students regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.

Strongly Agree

Explain your rating of the question on SOGI 123.

As an independent candidate with two kids in schools, I have made supporting SOGI 123 a centerpiece of my campaign and have printed and am distributing over 10,000 flyers expressing my support for inclusive education system. I think it is important for those who are not members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community to take a stand.

Will you address the housing and homelessness issues disproportionately affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

Agree

Outline any specific strategies or housing programs you would endorse.

I support rethinking agricultural land rules that restrict tiny housing or alternative communities on much of farm land. We need to focus on the low end of the housing market to relieve rental pressure and to ensure a safety net exists for everyone.

Will you work to combat hate crimes and violence against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

Strongly Agree

Provide details on your approach to reducing hate crimes and ensuring justice for victims.

Hate crimes and violence are unacceptable and illegal. I believe SOGI 123 and other resources are a good start by teaching acceptable and compassion at a young age. I think it is also important to push back against attempts to turn back equality rights.

Will you support increased funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations and services?

Neutral

Please elaborate on your funding priorities for these organizations.

I believe in results rather than empty promises.

Will you promote public awareness and education to foster acceptance and understanding of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

Strongly Agree

Detail any campaigns or educational initiatives you would support or propose.

I firmly believe in treating others as I would want to be treated. In my own campaign, I’ve taken a public stance in favour or protecting vulnerable people.

Will you ensure that your policies and initiatives address the diverse needs within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including those intersecting with other marginalized identities (e.g., race, disability, socioeconomic status)?

Agree

Describe your approach to creating inclusive and intersectional policies.

BC is filled with diverse communities and we cannot put any community in a box. As a lawyer, I believe in listening to the needs of the community.

The BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s report “From Hate to Hope” includes several recommendations to address hate and discrimination. Will you work to implement these recommendations, particularly those affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?

Agree

Please specify which recommendations from the Commissioner’s report you will prioritize and how you plan to implement them.

In order to make proper decisions, information is key. I support a centralized reporting database and to the extent possible, restorative justice.

2SLGBTQIA+ seniors face unique needs as they age, particularly in the areas of specialized healthcare, assisted living where they are free to live authentically, and affordable housing. Will you work to implement specific policies and programs to address these unique needs?

Agree

Please specify how you will address the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors.

I think it is important to offer a variety of housing options. Too often, more condos seem to be the only answer. We need to look at a ride range of housing options including making it easier to set up manufactured home and co-living options that would make it easier for communities such as 2SLGBTQIA+ to be able to create safe and respectful living arrangements.

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