1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I live the current challenges as a member of this community- whether be discrimination in territorial services, accessibility, online hate or feeling unsafe in spaces. The city does and will continue to have a zero tolerance policy for such hate, and I look forward to working with Mosaic about how we we can address more systemic issues. I would also be the first member of this community to ever serve in the role of Mayor, visibility will matter and continuing to participate in and stand with the 2SLGBTQIA+ will continue to be an objective as it was on my term on Council and in my life.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I would have the Mosaic Network as part of the Public Safety and Community Wellness plan working group in order to be able to address and provide perspective on how we deal with this level of unsafety at events. The city will always continue to provide space for events such as the Pride Parade, and I will always be a presence there, as well as any other events that has to with our community. I will also have an open door policy, and at any point there is more to be able to address this on a policy level- I'm all ears for the Network and the community.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

Introducing non-discrimination policies as part of contribution agreements, as well as auditing organizations who receive and provide shelter space to assure they are not discrimination is a our best practice here. I would also invite the Mosaic Network to join the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness as that is the body that distributes said funding, and could be the place to create said recommendations for policies that would go forward to Council.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

Yellowknife should be a place where people can live openly, safely and with a sense of belonging. Harassment, discrimination and fear of being targeted affect whether people feel comfortable walking through town, attending an event or accessing services. Housing insecurity, isolation and barriers to appropriate support can compound those challenges, particularly for transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit residents.

I am familiar with the homophobic and transphobic comments directed at the community around Pride this June, including on the City’s Facebook page. While working in City administration, representing the communications team, I actively participated in Council’s discussions about closing comments on the City’s social media channels. Council subsequently approved that change. I saw how communications intended to celebrate inclusion could become a platform for hate directed at members of our community. The City needs to take that seriously and have zero tolerance for hate and harassment on its own platforms.

I also followed Northern Mosaic Network’s open letter and Cabin Radio’s reporting on its concerns about access to appropriate, gender-affirming health care, including for residents who need to travel to Alberta. Although health care is a territorial responsibility, these barriers affect the well-being of Yellowknifers. As Mayor, I would listen to those concerns and advocate to the GNWT for safe, equitable access to care.

I do not claim to know those experiences first-hand. My responsibility as Mayor would be to listen, take them seriously and act on the things the City can influence.

I would establish regular dialogue with Northern Mosaic Network and community members, with clear follow-up on concerns raised. That relationship should inform municipal decisions throughout the year, including recreation, facilities, housing and public safety.

I would support reviewing City policies and services for barriers, including forms, washrooms and change rooms, facility rules and how staff respond to discrimination. I would also support staff and Council training, drawing on local expertise.

My platform includes A City People Choose. That means a city where 2SLGBTQIA+ residents can participate fully in community life. As Mayor, I would speak clearly against discrimination and support that position with practical decisions

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

The harassment, assaults and threats you describe are unacceptable. When people decide they cannot safely attend Pride or another community event, their freedom to participate in their own city has been diminished. That deserves a clear response from municipal leadership.

Throughout my career, I have led teams from a place of inclusion, sincerely believing that diversity makes teams and communities stronger. People should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves. I would bring that same approach to leading our city.

As Mayor, I would publicly condemn hate directed at 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, including when it targets transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people specifically. Community members should not be left to defend their dignity alone.

The City also has responsibility for its own communications. Council voted this June to close comments on municipal social media channels, with a review after six months. As Mayor, I would ensure that review considers the safety of people targeted by hate, alongside accessible ways for residents to ask questions and provide feedback. Any future approach must include clear rules against hate and harassment, staff capacity to respond, and procedures to preserve and escalate threats.

For events, I would bring City staff together with Northern Mosaic Network, Yellowknife Pride and organizers to develop safety plans shaped by participants’ concerns. Depending on the event, these could include trained safety volunteers, de-escalation support, a designated person to report concerns to, safe arrival and departure arrangements, and clear procedures for responding to harassment.

City facilities should have clear expectations for behaviour and staff prepared to enforce them.

I would support exploring municipal assistance for reasonable safety costs through the City’s grants and event-support processes. Volunteer organizations should not have to shoulder these concerns alone.

Police have a role in responding to threats and violence. Prevention also requires education, reliable support and leadership that consistently makes clear: 2SLGBTQIA+ people belong here in Yellowknife.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

Nobody should have to choose between sleeping outside and entering a shelter where they face harassment, discrimination or pressure to conceal their identity. More housing is essential, but we also need to address the barriers people encounter when seeking help today.

I would bring Northern Mosaic Network, people with lived experience, shelter and housing providers, Indigenous partners and the relevant GNWT departments together to identify where access is breaking down and agree on practical changes. That work should respect people’s privacy and avoid requiring them to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences.

I would support developing clear, consistent approaches to respectful intake, placement that respects gender identity and individual safety needs, privacy, staff training, responses to harassment, and a complaints process people can use safely. Two Spirit residents should help shape culturally appropriate supports.

The City does not operate or control every shelter, but it can convene partners, advocate to funders and examine the conditions attached to its own funding and service agreements. I would support clear expectations for equitable access wherever the City funds or contracts services, alongside resources to help providers meet them.

I would also ask what happens when someone cannot safely use an existing shelter. A referral is only useful if it leads to an appropriate place that can actually accept them.

My broader housing priorities would include working with partners on affordable and supportive housing. Progress should be measured by whether people can access safe accommodation and receive respectful support.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

We can raise flags, make proclamations and celebrate Pride, and we should. But those gestures mean very little if people are still being threatened, harassed or made to feel unsafe in their own community.
We have to acknowledge that Yellowknife isn't always the welcoming place we like to believe it is.

I know Northern Mosaic is doing important work, particularly with young people, but the challenges don't begin and end with youth. We're talking about adults, seniors, people struggling to find housing, people accessing public services, and people who simply want to live their lives without having to defend who they are.

As a teacher, I worry about young people who leave school at the end of the day and have nowhere they feel safe or accepted. And through my work in housing, I've come to understand that having a service available doesn't necessarily mean someone can safely access it.

I also think we need to be practical about how we design public spaces.

Take washrooms and changing facilities. I believe privacy and dignity matters to everyone, particularly in spaces where people are changing or undressing. I support maintaining women's and men's facilities while also providing fully private, all-gender options wherever practical. I recognize that residents have different views and needs around shared facilities, and I would want those considered carefully in the design of City spaces. My priority would be providing meaningful privacy, safe facilities and practical choices without treating any group disrespectfully.

And I don't believe every improvement requires a new building or a massive budget. We can incorporate these considerations into renovations already planned, make better use of City-owned facilities, and look at whether existing community funding is reaching organizations doing this work.

I would also want to sit down with Northern Mosaic and identify the specific barriers they're encountering with City services, facilities and funding. From there, establish what Council can change, what requires territorial involvement, who is responsible and when residents can expect to see progress.

I won't pretend City Council can change everyone's beliefs. Nor should that be the measure of our success. People are entitled to their beliefs, and everyone is also entitled to be treated with dignity and to access public services without discrimination.

I want to see us spending less energy congratulating ourselves for being inclusive and more energy addressing the problems that tell us we still have work to do.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I've attended several Northern Mosaic events, and the people and spaces that make up this community mean more to me than I can adequately put into words.

I find the hatred being directed at people deeply distasteful, inhumane and intolerable. I know that hatred is real, and it troubles me that people are now having to weigh their safety before attending events where they should feel welcome. We are talking about people being harassed, threatened and physically assaulted right here in Yellowknife. That is not something I am prepared to normalize.

And while I recognize the role of the RCMP when crimes occur, I don't believe we should have to wait until someone is harmed before doing something.

The City has to take responsibility for the spaces it manages, including online. I understand why Council moved to disable comments on its social media pages, but the hatred doesn't disappear when a comment section closes. I would want a clear way for residents to report threats or targeted harassment to the City, with someone responsible for documenting concerns, following up and referring credible threats to the appropriate authorities. People shouldn't have to expose themselves to more abuse just to report what they've experienced.

For Pride, drag shows and other community events, I would want organizers involved in safety planning from the very beginning. The City already plays a role through permits, facilities and event support. We can use those existing processes to address lighting, safe entrances and exits, volunteer coordination and reasonable security expenses. I would also want a designated City contact so organizers aren't being passed between departments when they need help.

Getting home safely matters too. We have limited evening transit and no Sunday service. That's already an issue for many Yellowknifers, but it becomes even more concerning when someone is attending an event where threats have been made. I would support working with organizers and transportation providers on practical arrangements for larger events, with shared costs where additional services are needed.

I also think we have to pay attention to what we're allowing to become normal.

As an educator, I spend a great deal of time teaching young people about respect, accountability and the consequences of their actions. I cannot expect those things from children while accepting cruelty and intimidation from adults. Northern Mosaic already does education and awareness work, and I would rather see us support that work than spend money developing another campaign that tells people what they already know.
And I expect elected officials to speak up. There is a difference between holding personal beliefs and deliberately making another human being afraid. We don't need to agree on everything to recognize that threatening, assaulting or harassing someone is unacceptable.

I won't pretend that City Council can eliminate hatred. But we can take responsibility for how our public spaces are managed, make better use of existing resources to support safer events, and ensure that concerns brought to City Hall are actually followed through.

I don't want people quietly withdrawing from public life, avoiding places they once enjoyed or staying home because someone has made them afraid. Not here. Not in a city that prides itself on community.
And certainly not while we continue telling ourselves how welcoming we are.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

As Chair of the Yellowknife Women's Society, this question sits particularly close to home.

I've seen how fragile housing security can be in Yellowknife. We have people fighting to keep the roofs over their heads, and very few places for them to go when things fall apart. Imagine reaching that point of desperation, only to discover that the shelter meant to help you cannot accommodate you safely.

That's a serious problem.

I also believe equitable access must go hand in hand with the safety, dignity and privacy of everyone using these services. That includes transgender, gender-diverse and Two Spirit residents, as well as other shelter users who may have experienced trauma or have particular privacy needs. Where shared accommodations present challenges, I would want providers to explore private spaces, flexible arrangements and other practical solutions. No one person's safety should be treated as less important than another's, and no one should be left outside because our systems have failed to accommodate different needs.

I would work with Northern Mosaic, shelter operators and Housing NWT to review actual admission practices, privacy arrangements and what happens when someone cannot safely use a shared space. Private accommodations and flexible arrangements should be considered wherever possible. Turning someone away cannot be our default solution.

The City also administers Reaching Home funding. I would request clear expectations around equitable access and accountability attached to the services we fund, within the City's authority.
And I would begin with the organization I already chair. I cannot ask others to examine their practices without being prepared to examine our own.

We don't need another study to tell us people are struggling. We need to address the barriers, protect everyone's dignity and get people housed.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

Growing up in Inuvik and spending much of my life in northern communities, I recognize that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can face challenges that are particularly difficult in smaller, isolated communities.

These include discrimination, bullying, harassment, social isolation, limited opportunities to develop supportive friendships and relationships, barriers to appropriate healthcare, housing insecurity, and difficulties finding spaces where people feel safe and accepted.

In smaller communities, maintaining privacy can also be difficult. Some individuals may feel pressure to conceal their identity or consider leaving their home communities to find greater acceptance, supportive social networks, and opportunities to build relationships.

Through my professional experience as a Registered Nurse working in mental health and addictions, and as a youth caseworker at Hope’s Haven (now Home Base), I developed an appreciation for the importance of safe environments, supportive relationships, confidentiality, and access to services without judgment or discrimination.

I recognize that 2SLGBTQIA+ people are not a single group with identical experiences or needs. Youth, seniors, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, Two-Spirit Indigenous people, and those experiencing homelessness may face different challenges and barriers.

I also recognize that my professional background does not mean I fully understand the lived experiences of every member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. That understanding must come from listening to the people directly affected.

If elected, I would focus on several areas where City Council can make a meaningful difference.

First, I would support regular, meaningful communication with organizations such as Northern Mosaic Network and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I believe the City should actively seek input when developing policies, programs, and services that affect community members, rather than waiting until concerns arise.

Second, I would support reviewing City facilities, recreational programs, public washrooms, change rooms and community spaces to identify barriers to inclusion and accessibility. Everyone should be able to participate in municipal programs and use public facilities without fear of harassment or discrimination.

Third, I would support community-led initiatives that create opportunities for social connection, recreation, education and cultural expression. In a northern community, having welcoming places to meet others, build friendships and develop support networks is particularly important.

Fourth, housing and homelessness must be addressed. Yellowknife is already experiencing a housing shortage, and some 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals face additional barriers when seeking safe and appropriate accommodation. I would support working with housing providers, Indigenous governments, the GNWT and community organizations to improve access to affordable, supportive and emergency housing.

This should include examining whether shelter policies, intake procedures and accommodation arrangements create barriers for transgender, gender-diverse and Two-Spirit individuals.

Fifth, public safety must include protecting people from harassment, intimidation, threats and violence. I would support collaboration between community organizations, Municipal Enforcement and the RCMP to identify safety concerns and develop practical responses.

For community events, including Pride celebrations and other 2SLGBTQIA+ activities, I would support working with organizers to determine appropriate safety measures. These could include increased Municipal Enforcement foot patrols, vehicle patrols, improved lighting and clear reporting procedures, while ensuring that safety planning reflects the needs and wishes of event organizers and participants.

I would also support reviewing how the City responds to discriminatory and threatening comments on its public communications. Respectful disagreement and public discussion are important, but threats, harassment and targeted abuse should not be tolerated.

Finally, I believe accountability matters. The City should have clear, accessible processes for reporting discrimination or harassment involving municipal facilities, services and programs, along with appropriate follow-up.

I recognize that healthcare, education and human rights protections fall primarily under territorial or federal jurisdiction. However, City Council can advocate for improvements, collaborate with other governments and organizations, and ensure that municipal services are delivered fairly and respectfully.

I want Yellowknife to be a community where people do not feel they must leave the North to find acceptance, build meaningful relationships or simply be themselves.

We cannot assume we know what people need without asking them, and we should not expect members of marginalized communities to continually carry the responsibility of educating decision-makers.

My commitment would be to listen, learn, maintain open communication and work collaboratively with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to identify practical solutions.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, included and that they belong in Yellowknife.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I am deeply concerned about the harassment, threats, and violence being experienced by members of Yellowknife’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces, at community events, and when participating in discussions about their city.

While the City cannot eliminate hate or take over the RCMP’s responsibility for investigating criminal offences, municipal government has an important role in creating safe, welcoming public spaces, establishing standards for City communications, and supporting community-led initiatives.

Through my professional background in nursing, mental health, addictions, and youth services, I understand the importance of trauma-informed approaches, personal dignity, and ensuring people feel safe seeking assistance.

If elected, I would focus on six areas within the City’s responsibilities and influence.

1. Municipal Enforcement and Event Safety

I would support working with Northern Mosaic Network, Yellowknife Pride, and other event organizers to identify safety concerns and determine what municipal assistance would be most useful.

I would ask City administration to assess the feasibility of increased Municipal Enforcement foot and vehicle patrols during Pride celebrations, drag shows, and other community events.

Foot patrols could provide an approachable presence near event locations, while vehicle patrols could monitor surrounding streets, parking areas, and pedestrian routes.

Any additional deployment would need to consider staffing, costs, existing enforcement responsibilities, and, most importantly, the preferences of event organizers and attendees.

I recognize that not everyone feels safer with an increased enforcement presence. These decisions should be made through consultation, not imposed on the community.

2. City-Supported Event Safety Planning

I would support exploring a municipal event safety framework that incorporates resources such as Egale Canada’s Pride Safety Toolkit.

Working with event organizers, the City could assist with:

Reviewing safety plans for events using municipal facilities or public spaces.

Identifying appropriate emergency access routes, exits and meeting areas.

Assessing lighting, pedestrian access and parking around event locations.

Coordinating Municipal Enforcement, emergency services and event organizers when appropriate.

Providing clear information about municipal contacts and emergency procedures.

Exploring logistical assistance or existing municipal funding opportunities for community-led safety initiatives.

The City should support organizations in planning safer events without taking control of those events or placing unnecessary administrative burdens on volunteers.

3. Respectful, Trauma-Informed Municipal Services

I would support reviewing training provided to City employees and Municipal Enforcement officers who interact with the public.

This could include respectful communication, de-escalation, cultural safety, understanding gender identity and expression, and trauma-informed responses to harassment.

Where an incident occurs, municipal personnel should prioritize immediate safety, explain available reporting options, respect privacy and connect individuals with appropriate services.

Individuals should be supported in deciding whether to report incidents to police, subject to applicable legal obligations and immediate safety concerns.

The City is not responsible for providing clinical counselling or investigating criminal hate offences, but its employees should know how to respond appropriately and where to direct people for assistance.

4. Addressing Hate on City Social Media

The City has direct responsibility for managing participation on its official communication platforms.

I would support reviewing the City’s social media moderation policies to ensure clear, consistently applied standards addressing threats, targeted harassment and discriminatory conduct.

Respectful disagreement with City decisions must remain welcome. However, public debate should not become an opportunity to intimidate or personally target residents based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

I would also support clear procedures for preserving evidence of credible threats and referring those concerns to the appropriate authorities.

5. Safer Municipal Spaces and Facilities

Public safety includes the physical design and management of City-owned spaces.

I would support reviewing lighting, visibility, pedestrian access and other safety concerns around municipal facilities and public areas used for community events.

Where improvements are needed, they should be considered through existing maintenance, facility management and capital planning processes.

I would also support ensuring that City facilities and services are welcoming and accessible, with clear procedures for addressing harassment or discrimination occurring on municipal property.

6. Community Consultation and Accountability

I believe the City should maintain regular communication with Northern Mosaic Network, Yellowknife Pride, Indigenous organizations and other interested community members.

Rather than assuming what people need, Council should hear directly from those affected and ask City administration to identify practical options, costs and responsibilities.

I would also support reviewing feedback following major community events to determine whether municipal safety measures were effective and what could be improved.

Where City resources are committed, Council should receive information on what was provided, what it cost and whether it achieved its intended purpose, while protecting individuals’ privacy.

Closing

I recognize that combating hate requires cooperation among municipal government, the RCMP, the GNWT, Indigenous governments, community organizations and residents. Each has different responsibilities, and those distinctions matter.

As a councillor, my role would be to ensure the City takes responsibility for what falls within its authority, works constructively with its partners and follows through on the commitments it makes.

I want Yellowknife to be a community where everyone can participate in public life, attend community celebrations and express who they are without fear of harassment or violence.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in Yellowknife. Our municipal policies, services and public spaces should reflect that commitment.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

Housing is a basic human need, and everyone in Yellowknife deserves access to safe, stable, and appropriate housing, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

I recognize that transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit individuals can face additional barriers when accessing emergency shelters and housing services, particularly when facilities and policies are structured around traditional binary gender classifications.

If elected, I would support working collaboratively with Northern Mosaic Network, Indigenous governments and organizations, shelter operators, housing providers, the GNWT, and people with lived experience to identify these barriers and develop practical solutions.

I would like to see the City take the following steps:

• Review existing shelter and housing policies to identify barriers that may prevent 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals from accessing services safely and equitably, particularly policies involving gender identity, admission requirements, room assignments, and washroom facilities.

• Develop inclusive service standards for City-operated and City-funded housing and shelter programs, including clear expectations around respectful treatment, confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and procedures for addressing harassment or safety concerns.

• Provide appropriate staff training on gender diversity, cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and the unique experiences of Two Spirit individuals, developed in collaboration with organizations that have the relevant expertise.

• Explore safer emergency housing options, including private or gender-inclusive accommodations where appropriate, without forcing individuals into facilities where they feel unsafe or requiring them to disclose personal information unnecessarily.

• Establish regular consultation with Northern Mosaic Network and other community organizations to ensure that policies and services continue to reflect the needs of the people accessing them.

• Introduce measurable accountability, including confidential complaint processes, service accessibility reviews and reporting on whether barriers are being reduced.

As a former registered nurse who worked in mental health, addictions and youth services, I understand the importance of providing care and support that respects each individual’s dignity, identity and circumstances. Services should be designed around the needs of the people accessing them, rather than expecting vulnerable individuals to fit into systems that may not adequately accommodate them.

I also recognize that housing and shelter services involve multiple levels of government and service providers. The City cannot address every barrier independently, but it can use its partnerships, funding agreements and policy development processes to encourage consistent, inclusive standards.

Most importantly, I believe we need to listen directly to 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers while respecting their privacy and ensuring they are not expected to share personal experiences publicly to justify their need for safe housing.

My goal would be to help create a coordinated housing and shelter system where no one is turned away, mistreated or placed at unnecessary risk because of who they are. Everyone deserves dignity, safety and a place to call home.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

From what I’ve learned by listening to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the challenges are real and connected. They include what feels like a rise in harassment and hate, both online and in public. Housing is in short supply, and services built around traditional gender policies can leave trans, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people out. A small northern community also has fewer specialized supports, so people often leave the north or go without. Two Spirit people face these challenges alongside the ongoing impacts of colonialism, which means solutions have to be Indigenous-informed and not just borrowed or duplicated from the south.

I don’t claim to know the full picture of all of the issues. It is for me, a continuous learning process. The people living it do, so my approach is to ask first. If elected, I’ll commit to meet regularly with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and treat their input as expertise, not feedback to be noted. I would look to advocate for a standing advisory mechanism, with compensation for people’s time, so community members help shape city policies before decisions are made. 

I would also support a review of the city of Yellowknife’s municipal policies, programs, and communications through an inclusion lens, and keep supporting Pride proclamations, flag-raising, and visible city participation. Lastly, I would like to push for the city to track and report on inclusion commitments so they don’t fade after election season. This could potentially be done on a semi-annual basis. This is part of one of my priorities which is end to end reporting and transparency for all.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

The city’s own social media should have clear, enforced moderation standards. At this time, to my knowledge, all comments have been turned off. This prevents in part from this to occur through the city’s social media accounts. I believe our city staff could benefit from training, support, and a protocol for hateful comments, threats, and coordinated harassment. Staff shouldn’t have to absorb that abuse alone. The city should also never retreat from pride-related communications because of backlash. Backing down teaches harassers that it works. Staff also need to know when to report issues to leadership or appropriate authorities.

Beyond police presence, which not everyone in the community experiences as safe, I would support the city to co-design event safety plans with organizers so the community decides what safety looks like and ensure their input is captured. There is an opportunity for the city to potentially offer support for event safety costs, such as grant funding for trained safety volunteers, de-escalation training, or hired security that organizers choose themselves. 

I would also support the creation of some kind of simple and confidential way to report hate incidents involving city spaces, staff, or programs, and follow up on them. As a downtown business owner, we have already created a safe space program for kids of all ages in our store. I think the city could expand this and encourage a “safe space” program for downtown businesses and organizations in a more formal capacity. As part of a downtown business community, I know small businesses want to do the right thing and often just need training, support and a clear standard to do this.

Council should also use its voice. When hate incidents happen, elected officials should publicly condemn them and stand with the community.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

The city doesn’t run shelters or manage most housing programs. That’s largely a territorial responsibility, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But the city has real levers, and Council can and should ustem when they can. Where the city of Yellowknife funds, leases space to, or partners with housing and service providers, we can ask for inclusive-access standards, such as non-binary-gendered intake and placement policies and anti-discrimination training, and offer support to help providers meet them.

As a city we can bring 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, shelters, and housing providers together with the GNWT to identify gaps, share training and resources, and build clear, consistent policies. Right now the absence of any such policy is a significant part of the problem, in my opinion. The city can use zoning, land, and permitting tools to make it easier for community organizations, including Indigenous-led and 2SLGBTQIA+-led groups, to develop transitional and supportive housing. We can also use Council’s seat at the table to press the GNWT and federal government for funding and for policies that guarantee safe, equitable access to emergency housing.

In all of this, my role is to listen, use the city’s tools, and be accountable. If elected, I’d welcome being held to that commitment.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I consider myself an ally of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but I recognize that I do not fully understand the specific challenges people are experiencing here in Yellowknife.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community. I believe that comments have been turned off on all City posts as of right now, but if they were to be turned on again there would have to be a very thorough monitoring process. For addressing safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events, I would look into having an increased presence from Municipal Enforcement, but I think there is an opportunity to partner with other organizations to have additional presence and to show support at community events, this is something I would be supportive of in assisting with.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

We could work with Northern Mosaic Network, local housing and shelter providers, and the GNWT to better understand the challenges 2SLGBTQIA+ people are up against when accessing emergency housing and support.

The City doesn’t operate all these services, but it can help bring partners together, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure that organizations receiving City homelessness funding are required to demonstrate equitable access to services. Everyone deserves access to safe housing and support without discrimination.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I will admit that I am not the most familiar with current challenges facing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but I understand that discrimination is continuously on the rise. I would intend to address my ignorance by meeting regularly with the Northern Mosaic Network or their representatives as a councillor and bring forward any concerns to council when appropriate.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

More presence of elected officials, hire staff and volunteers with de-escalation practices. The city can partner with NMN on sponsoring pride events and working with staff on bringing community-oriented volunteers who have experience with de-escalation.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

Regular meetings and collaborations with NMN. Have NMN inform us on how we can make policies more inclusive to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reduce or reconfigure binary gender policies. As a council, we have to recognize that the city can make ourselves a safe and inclusive organization for all residents, including making specific commitments for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

 I am aware that society is become more polarized – particularly online – and that often marginalized, minority, and vulnerable sectors of our community are often the most affected. I would also not assume my lived experience tells me everything I need to know.

 A central tenant in my values and how I define community includes a safe and welcoming space for all. Every vote I’ve taken and opinion I’ve voiced during the last four years of my term, have strongly aligned with this core value. Creating and maintain spaces for all is one of my priorities. I would want to hear from the Northern Mosaic Network  to understand what the specific and most impactful barriers are.

 If re-elected I would support reviewing municipal programs and facilities for inclusive access, including washrooms and change spaces, registration practices, and how staff respond to discrimination. I would also support the city ensuring its staff and MED have appropriate training in this space.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

The experiences described above are unacceptable, and elected leaders have a responsibility to speak clearly against hate, especially when directed to specific members of our community. This past year Council demonstrated this when it had to weigh the principle of free speech against the harm of online hate speech to members of our community. Council deliberated passionately and agreed that hate has no place in our community and closed comments on its Facebook page.

To strengthen its relationships and clearly affirm that 2SLGBTQIA+ people belong in Yellowknife, the City should update its communication policies/standards to address discriminatory abuse, harassment, and threats. And for events the City should ask organizers what presence they need in order for participants to feel safe. Advanced safety planning, having trained event stewards at events, and providing training in the areas of de-escalation are some practical ways the City could do more.

Being an active and visible ally as a straight, white, male, elected official – and the privileges that entails – is the primary way I can continue to support and advocate a safe and welcoming space for all. My previous advocacy on Council for stronger street outreach and a more community-based Municipal Enforcement role reflects my belief that safety depends on relationships, training, and an appropriate response to the situation.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

As a current funder until March 31, 2028 for the federal government’s Reaching Home funds, the City has the responsibility to ensure quality of service and accountability. I would advocate for clear expectations for equitable access and non-discrimination within those agreements, alongside reporting that identifies any persistent barriers while protecting people’s privacy. I want the City to work with, and hear from, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to understand the specific barriers being faced so we could ensure that action is taken on the most impactful areas. As a taxpayer I also expect clear actions and reporting on progress so people seeking help and all residents experience a practical improvement in access.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I share the concerns that most citizens have about hate speech and threatening behaviour online. When we ran the Fat Fox I would sometimes encounter intoxicated people using homophobic and threatening language towards customers and staff, and I imagine this is still a problem. Beyond this I wouldn’t like to speculate about what members of the community experience. My answers to questions two and three are based on my limited knowledge and conversations with friends about approaches in other cities to promote equality and pluralism at the municipal level. Above all, I’m ready to listen and find ways for the city to provide support.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

1. I will fight to get the city off Facebook. We know beyond any doubt that Facebook and other corporate social media drives polarization as part of its business model. We know that these platforms are corrosive to civil society and that they funnel enormous wealth and power to entities who are openly anti-democratic. Yet we struggle to rid ourselves of them because of a misguided belief that we are honouring an obligation to reach people where they are. People use facebook because other people use facebook. It’s a collective action problem that requires leadership to solve. The city can provide that leadership easily and cheaply.

2. The city has a limited range of tools available for making events safer. Increased presence of Bylaw or other law enforcement isn’t an ideal solution. I know many LGBTQIA2S+ people have had negative interactions with law enforcement or have other reasons to feel less than safe around them. I think the city could work on establishing more trust between law enforcement (Bylaw and RCMP) and the LGBTQIA2S+ community perhaps through informal round table meetings or similar.

3. I’d also like to see the city take an active role in developing and promoting LGBTQIA2S+ friendly events perhaps supporting groups like mosaic network to develop a dedicated calendar that people can access through the city website and something that can be promoted to tourists as well.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

I think the main way the city can address this is promoting a diversity of housing types to support different household configurations. I think we can achieve this by involving members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in zoning and bylaw discussions around housing types and accommodations that can be included explicitly under “Permitted Uses” and explore development incentives to support these.

I think councilors and policy makers at the city also need to be aware that LGBTQIA2S+ people are much more likely to face multiple economic barriers (employment discrimination, lack of family support etc.), so any work that the city can do to restore affordability will be important. I also think the city can have a role in guiding LGBTQIA2S+ citizens towards resources for everything from recreation to social safety net type services. City government is small and accessible and locally focussed so we’re in a good position to add a service like citizens’ advice or a liaison officer type role who could focus on building connections and mutual understanding with the LGBTQIA2S+ community as part of their job.

On a somewhat related note, I think that city investment in a wider range of public spaces such as a new library or a performing arts space could improve safety and quality of life for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. In particular, teens and young people, and people in precarious living situations who may just need somewhere safe and welcoming to go during the day or evening.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

 Like many communities across Canada, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Yellowknife continue to face challenges related to discrimination, social isolation, mental health, housing insecurity, and feeling safe and included in public spaces. While everyone's experience is different, it's clear that some residents face barriers that others may never encounter.

My approach is rooted in a simple principle. Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. As a councillor, I would support efforts that help ensure community spaces, programs, and services are accessible and welcoming to everyone. I also believe in maintaining strong relationships with organizations working directly with affected communities, because they are often best positioned to identify issues and recommend evidence-based solutions. Put simply, organizations like yours are the subject matter experts. Those lived experiences, perspectives, and insights are essential to helping the City make informed decisions and get things right.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

No one should feel unsafe because of who they are. Whether it's directed at members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous people, racialized residents, people experiencing homelessness, or any other group, harassment, threats, and violence have no place in Yellowknife.

Addressing these issues requires more than enforcement alone. I believe the City has a role to play in fostering respectful public dialogue while recognizing that online discussions can sometimes become harmful or intimidating. Recent efforts to proactively manage discussions that may attract abusive or hateful commentary reflect the importance of balancing public engagement with creating safe spaces for residents to participate.

For public events, I would support collaboration between organizers, municipal staff, security providers, and community volunteers to identify risks and implement practical safety measures that fit each event's needs. Creating safer spaces is often about preparation, communication, and community partnership as much as it is about enforcement.

I also believe elected officials should lead by example. Disagreements are a normal part of life, but they should never cross the line into intimidation, harassment, or hatred.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

 Housing insecurity is an issue that affects many residents, but some individuals face additional barriers when trying to access supports, emergency housing, or shelter services. When those barriers exist, they deserve attention.

My role as a councillor would be to listen to service providers, advocacy organizations, shelter operators, and residents themselves to better understand where gaps may exist and what solutions are most effective. I believe decisions are strongest when they are informed by the people delivering and receiving services on the ground.

I support the principle that people should be able to access housing and support services safely and with dignity. Where policies, procedures, or service models can be improved to ensure equitable access, I would be open to working collaboratively with community partners to explore solutions. My goal would be to help create a community where every resident has a fair opportunity to access the supports they need while recognizing the operational realities faced by service providers.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

In Yellowknife, and my life before Yellowknife, I feel that I have been in spaces where overt expressions of bigotry are frowned upon. However: I know that a given individual may not be in accepting spaces for the most important parts of their life; and that can create a terrible sense of isolation. Young people, especially, are quite tied to their family; and a bigoted family can greatly oppress and traumatize a young LGBT person under their care. This oppressive atmosphere can continue into adulthood, especially for as long as financial dependence and co-living continue. I have seen this with my own eyes, too often.

I think it is important to continue to make bigotry unacceptable in public. I am thankful for the work of all teachers who make schools a safe space for kids, who are not safe at home. And I think that the municipality has a sacred duty to reduce the cost of housing--so that youth in unaccepting homes may more easily move out, and so escape this negative force in their lives.

I'll also make a note: that certain forms of transphobia have become more normalized than other sorts of bigotry, under the guise of "protecting the youth". This is especially concerning in respect to hormone blockers--which is already a moderate compromise, that will not cause much trouble for a questioning child who turns out to be cisgender after all. I think it's especially important to reaffirm, publically, that children have a right to be seen as who they are, as soon as possible--and that this acceptance causes no danger to anyone.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

My opinions are still unformed by how security can further practically be increased at events. I am interested in having these conversations, and intend to drop by if elected. You may hold me to that.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

Thank you for bringing this issue up. The first step is always to talk to people; I wanna ask service providers, say at our shelters, what they would do in the case of queer individuals who may be subject disproportionately to violence.

What ever the options currently available, a large part of the answer will surely be to build more housing; make it cheaper; and then buy way more housing using our existing municipal funds. I will help make sure that queer individuals are not simply overlooked in the distribution of these public funds.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

One of main challenges I hear is ensuring there is safe spaces and programming for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Thank you to all the work the Rainbow Youth Centre does. I believe the city can be a strong partner to build on this programming, especially for youth to know they have a safe space, mentors and guidance. There are lots of underutilized spaces in this town and there is potential for existing programming to offer a 2SLGBTQIA+ option of those programs so that they are less intimidating. I am happy to work on space and programming requirements with the City.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

The first is leaders in all parts of our community publicly condemn such action and make sure to everyone knows it has no place in Yellowknife. There is some basic work for all spaces and events to do in adopting safe spaces polices and consent policies and enforcing them we know people who are violating them are not invited into other spaces. I would support the City reaching out to Yellowknife Venues to see if they would be interested in establishing a BarWatch program where people can be banned from multiple venues. Similarly a program for venues to officially identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ safe spaces could assist.

 I genuinely don’t know how we solve the increasing online hate, banning anonymous posting on facebook would be a good start and perhaps just burning Rant and Raves to the ground all together. Unfortunately we live a world where increasingly fascistic oligarchs own these online platforms and democratic power for communities to regulate them is limited.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

I am not sure the City of Yellowknife has bylaw authority to regulate who the existing shelters let in, but there is probably a method to do so through contribution agreements for those we assist with funding. I would first want to reach out to the Women’s Society, YWCA and Salvation Army, and Homebase who run the existing shelters and transitional housing programs to hear how they are managing it and their limits. 

I know some of the shelters are gendered but I am unsure how rigid they are in their thinking and whether they are properly accommodating the needs of people who may not fit into that binary. Sadly the waiting list on any of these programs is insanely long and so much of the way to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ people face less housing insecurity is to increase housing period.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

As a queer person, I'm acutely aware of the issues faced by members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community globally, and here at home.  Conditions and sentiment has deteriorated in recent years, primarily because of partisan politics seeking to sow division for personal gain.  I am absolutely committed to using my position and my privilege to stand up for our community, and show them that we are their neighbors, friends, and leaders.  Representation matters, not just to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but for everyone to see that we are in so many ways, just like everyone else.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I'm really not interested in increased police presence at pride events, as that's been proven to be an upsetting experience for all parties, and given the complicated relationship between the queer community and the police, that upset has merit.  

First, I'd like to see Pride return to the folk on the rocks beer garden.  The city can help facilitate that rental with FOTR and provide public transportation. Placing the main event out of town provides a deterrent for people who might be compelled to harass attendees.  While drag events are private, I'd encourage hosts to keep sales to online only, and discourage door sales- as a host, i find that much of the issue with drag show heckling is rooted in impulse buys from people passing by and not fully understanding what they are coming in to.  And while that can be a great, positive learning experience, usually its just some drunk worker who wants to pull focus and make himself the centre of attention. Advance sales only will absolutely curtail that.  

Furthermore, I think that, more broadly, I as a public figure can play a role in making these events feel safe.  Send me out for a ‘chat with a lesbian’ type open forums.  More outreach to the straights.  There are a few of us public figures in the community who can shoulder the responsibility of calling people in so fewer people need to be called out.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

I want to make sure that everyone has housing, and the support that is needed to keep people housed.  In working with NGO's we can ensure that housing supports include wraparound services catered to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and make sure that gender identity isn't a barrier to access. Ensuring that gender diverse individuals are supported in ways like single stall washrooms and private beds in shelters, and streamlined access to supportive housing when it comes available is a start.  We, as a city, only have so many levers that we can pull, and funds to distribute. Ensuring that our partner NGO's have done everything they can to keep access equitable is something, and have fund distribution contingent on those parameters being met, is something we CAN do.  

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I think the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Yellowknife still faces open discrimination and hate. Social media has also made it easier for people to hide behind anonymity and direct that hate at people in our community.

I've heard from 2SLGBTQIA+ community members about some of the horrible things they hear and deal with daily. This is one of the reasons that it's very important to me to be an open ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

If elected, I want to ensure Council is listening to the community about what it actually needs from the City. That means more than showing up for a Pride parade, it means making sure our policies, services and public spaces are inclusive, and that people feel safe and welcome in Yellowknife.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I will listen, I am and will continue to be an ally, and I will make sure these voices are heard at Council.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I think the first thing Council needs to do is show up. If people in our community are feeling unsafe at public events, elected officials need to be present, visible and willing to stand with them. No one should feel unsafe attending a Pride event, drag show or any other public event in Yellowknife because of who they are. That is simply not acceptable.

I think we need to work directly with Northern Mosaic Network and event organizers on what safety looks like for their community. For the city that could mean better event planning, clear ways to report harassment, trained staff and volunteers, and making sure people know who they can turn to if something happens.

I also think we need to make sure the City itself is communicating in a way that is inclusive and respectful. We’re falling short and need to do better. I would commit to meeting with the City Manager, communications staff, and your organization to identify where we can improve and what better communication should look like going forward. I also supported turning off comments on City social media. While engagement is important, those spaces had increasingly become difficult for staff to moderate and were being used to direct hate and harassment at members of our community. There are other ways to engage with the City, and we need to make sure those avenues are accessible, respectful and effective.

Most importantly, I would listen to the community about what would actually make people feel safer, and make sure those concerns are heard at Council.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

I’m concerned to hear there may not be clear policies in place to ensure equitable access to emergency housing and shelter for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. I would want to verify that, particularly given the City’s role in administering significant Reaching Home funding, and understand where the gaps are.

I also want to listen directly to organizations like Northern Mosaic Network and the people experiencing these barriers. If our funding criteria or services are creating barriers, we need to identify them and work to have those changed.

Longer term, we simply need more housing, including more non-market housing. I brought a motion to Council to create a clear path for nonprofits and non-market housing providers to access City land at little or no cost. I believe organizations that understand their communities should have the opportunity to build housing that meets those specific needs.

So, my approach is to understand the gaps, work directly with the organizations doing this work, and make it easier to create the housing our community needs.

Please note that this candidate opted to respond to our questionnaire with a written statement in place of answering the questions individually.

As an emergency department nurse, I see how closely health is connected to a person’s sense of safety, belonging, and stability. I recognize that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can face additional barriers to accessing affirming healthcare, finding safe and stable housing, and receiving the mental health supports they need.

In Yellowknife, these challenges can be compounded by the realities of northern life. Our community can feel isolated, and finding culturally safe, identity-affirming support or a sense of belonging can be difficult. Housing insecurity and social isolation can further affect mental health and overall well-being. Recent NWT mental wellness survey findings (https://gnwt.ca/sites/default/files/legacy_hss/resources/mwar-survey-key-findings.pdf) reinforce the need to improve access to care, with 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents more likely to report barriers to accessing community counselling services.

If elected, I would work collaboratively with community organizations (as I have always done), healthcare providers, and all levels of government to advance practical solutions. My priorities would include advocating for accessible, affirming mental health services; supporting safe and stable housing options; and strengthening community-led programs that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging.

I also believe we need to listen directly to 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and ensure their voices meaningfully inform decisions that affect them. As a nurse and social worker, I understand that compassionate care begins with listening, treating people with dignity, and recognizing the barriers they face. I would bring that same approach to public service, working toward a Yellowknife where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

Organizations such as the Northern Mosaic Network have a strong presence in Yellowknife and are integral to the well-being of our community. I deeply value the work you do and recognize the importance of the safe spaces, connections, and support you provide. I would be a strong ally, committed not only to advocating for sustainable funding for organizations like yours, but also to standing alongside and amplifying the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents you represent. I believe meaningful allyship requires listening, collaboration, and action, and I would bring that commitment to continued support of your organization. This is whether or not I am elected to City Council. You folks are amazing!

1. What do you know about the current challenges that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing here in Yellowknife? If elected, how do you plan to address these challenges?

I wouldn’t claim to have a comprehensive understanding of all the challenges facing Yellowknife's 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

I am aware of concerns in Yellowknife about discrimination, harassment, personal safety, housing insecurity and access to appropriate services. I also recognize that some residents face additional barriers because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

During my 15 years in Yellowknife, I have become familiar with some of the work Northern Mosaic Network has undertaken to provide support, programming and a sense of community for residents.

If elected, I would seek to identify practical improvements within the City's authority and work collaboratively with the organizations and residents most directly affected.

I would welcome an opportunity to meet with Northern Mosaic Network to better understand where existing municipal policies, facilities and services may be falling short.

Throughout my campaign, I have emphasized the importance of greater civic involvement and the need for the City to work with community organizations to solve problems affecting residents. That includes ensuring that organizations serving 2SLGBTQIA+ residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in municipal discussions.

As someone holding public office, I would want to help ensure that all residents feel safe, respected and welcome, and that everyone has a fair opportunity to participate in civic life.

2. Hate crimes are on the rise against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community. Over the last two years, Northern Mosaic Network has heard from multiple transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit community members who were targeted based on their identity, some of whom were harassed and physically assaulted in public. We have also witnessed a considerable increase in online hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and towards transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit people in particular, including on City of Yellowknife communications about pride-related initiatives and events. This year, as a result of online harassment and threats, Yellowknife Pride Festival and Northern Mosaic Network were made aware that several community members did not feel safe engaging in public 2LSGBTQIA+ events. If elected, how will you address the rise in hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both online and in-person? Outside of increasing police presence, how do you plan to address safety concerns at 2SLGBTQIA+ community events (e.g. pride events, drag shows, etc.)?

I am concerned by reported incidents of harassment, threats and physical violence described in our community whether they be online or in person. Nobody should feel threatened or unable to express their identity while attending a community event or using public spaces.

Although I have emphasized public safety and crime reduction throughout my campaign, I recognize that law enforcement is only one of the tools available to address residents' broader safety concerns.

With any community event that the city is involved in, it has a responsibility to help ensure participants feel safe. Depending on the circumstances, this could include improved lighting in public spaces, clear rules for users of municipal facilities, accessible reporting procedures, assistance with volunteer coordination and advance discussions about safety arrangements for community events.

Regarding the online aspect of your question, the City has undertaken some work this year to moderate comments on its social media accounts. Where appropriate, the City should continue to monitor and moderate its online communications, recognizing that municipal platforms should facilitate reasonable public discussion without becoming platforms for harassment, intimidation or abuse.

I would not want to prescribe specific security arrangements without first speaking with organizers about their experiences and needs. My preference would be to develop practical responses collaboratively rather than impose measures that might inadvertently discourage participation.

3. We know that 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high levels of housing precarity. And when accessing emergency housing and shelters, transgender, gender diverse, and Two Spirit people in particular face additional barriers due to binary gender policies. To our knowledge, the City of Yellowknife does not have policies or procedures in place to ensure that shelters and housing services in Yellowknife provide safe and equitable access to emergency housing and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. How would you collaborate with local organizations to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yellowknifers have equitable access to housing services and support?

There is no doubt that demand for housing services and support in Yellowknife is high and will remain a significant challenge into the next term. Addressing these needs will require close collaboration with local organizations.

I believe it is incumbent upon councillors to understand the issues that front-line workers are contending with. For example, I recently attended the annual general meeting of the Yellowknife Women's Society, which gave me a better appreciation of some of the challenges associated with finding Housing First units and supporting the well-being of residents.

As it comes to transgender, gender-diverse and Two Spirit residents accessing emergency housing and shelters, this deserves particular attention. Nobody should be left without safe accommodation because existing services or policies cannot appropriately meet their needs.

If elected, I would support discussions involving Northern Mosaic Network, other non-governmental organizations, housing providers, the territorial government and relevant municipal staff. It is important that participants work from a shared understanding of the challenges and try to find where the gaps lie and more importantly, practical solutions.

These discussions should include the experiences and recommendations of people directly affected, while respecting their privacy.

Existing City-supported homelessness initiatives and funding arrangements should adequately account for the needs of transgender, gender-diverse and Two Spirit residents. If there are  policies or procedures that create barriers to accessing services, I would support those being reviewed.

I’ve pointed out during my campaign that the City has a role in addressing the current housing shortage through appropriate land-use planning, development approvals and collaboration with other governments. I support responsible residential development, including infill where existing infrastructure can accommodate additional housing.

We are still waiting for this candidate to respond to our questionnaire.