BC Election Candidate Survey Responses: Loyal Wooldridge – BCNDP

BC Election Candidate Survey Response: Loyal Wooldridge - BCNDP

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

Loyal Wooldridge

Email

loyal.wooldridge@bcndp.ca

Select your political party

BC NDP

Select your electoral district

Kelowna Centre

Website / URL

https://loyalwooldridge.bcndp.ca

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

Strongly Agree

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

We absolutely need laws that protect all marginalized groups to ensure they are safe in our communities. The BC NDP introduced and supported the anti-discrimination legislation introduced this year. With all legislation, a review is best with feedback from affected communities after it has had time to be implemented.

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

Strongly Agree

Please describe any specific actions or reforms you would implement.

Efforts are being made to promote equity across B.C. including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. No program can be considered in isolation as they all intersect. You must have mental health supports for people along with gender affirming care, vulnerable youth need safe housing options. We’ve seen PreP become made available free and also birth control, all contributing to a healthier community. New initiatives are enhancing access to healthcare, education and training, affordable housing, counseling, crisis support services, and assistance for people experiencing gender-based violence.

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.

From my perspective this is the time to defend the inclusive and safe environments we have been creating over the last decade. We know, there is a movement across North America to target the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their families and while we always have to seek new programs or policies to enhance safety – we also must defend how far we’ve come. That’s what I am committed to doing.

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.

Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), which is an inclusive term that encompasses all people. This includes those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, heterosexual, or cisgender (those who identify with the gender assigned at birth). SOGI 123 acknowledges and educates that all sexual orientations and genders exist and deserve to have space held for them. We can not go back.

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

Strongly Agree

Outline any specific strategies or housing programs you would endorse.

As a 2 term City Councillor I have worked diligently to amplify the voices of marginalized people (including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community) and have worked to deliver services and capital projects (housing) that are culturally safe and trauma informed. There is more work to do. We know that queer and trans youth need extra support when it comes to safe housing and need to partner with support agencies who know their people best and can help advise on what is needed. Locally, The Bridge Youth & Family has a spectacular vision for assisting young people and families, in a multitude of ways – of which I’ve been personally involved to help support.

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.

In Kelowna, we have worked hard with our local RCMP detachment to address discrimination and create trauma informed responses to hate crimes. Unfortunately, these crimes continue to happen and we need to elect representatives that understand the sensitive nature of the issues and advocate, with discretion, to ensure the safety of victims.

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

Agree

Please elaborate on your funding priorities for these organizations.

I support resourcing 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and services. Of course, it comes at a balance with government as a whole and I’m reluctant to commit in surety out of integrity.

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.

We have to remain connected to those who are affected the most. Groups such as Advocacy Canada provide ‘ears to the ground’ that should be heard by government.

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)?

Strongly Agree

Describe your approach to creating inclusive and intersectional policies.

The BC NDP has remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring we build an inclusive British Columbia. Of course, there is more work to do especially when the undercurrent is flowing to stop progress. We have to work together with all levels of government to address this.

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?

Strongly Agree

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

yes.

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?

Strongly Agree

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

I believe a place to focus especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors is ageing in a place where they can be themselves. I have deep concerns about seniors having to go ‘back in the closet’ in long term care and this needs to be a focus to ensure everyone is welcome – along with new support for at home care.

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