What ties do you have to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and what steps will you take to grow those connections if elected?

I appreciate your question about my connections to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. While I may not personally identify as a member of the community, I value diversity and inclusion. I believe in equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Having friends and family who belong to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is an important connection. If elected, I commit to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. I will actively seek input from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to address issues that affect them. Additionally, I will support policies that promote equality, non-discrimination, and the overall well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Open communication and understanding are key to building stronger connections, and I am dedicated to ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Report specifically states 2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous communities are included in the Calls to Action. If you were elected, what is your plan for seeing through an inclusive MMIWG2S Act in the NWT?

Ensuring the issue is moved forward in a timely manner, involves active engagement, policy development, cultural competency, and collaboration to ensure that the MMIWG2S Act is inclusive, respectful of Indigenous perspectives, and addresses the specific challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

What do you know about the current challenges of two spirit, indigiqueer, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in the NWT, and what steps will you take to commit to addressing these challenges?

I don't have specific information on the current challenges faced by two-spirit, indigiqueer, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people in the Northwest Territories (NWT). However, I do have general insights Discrimination, stigma and prejudice often impact their daily life. Lack of services, healthcare disparities, lack of legal rights protection. 

There is a need  for policy reform to address the issues, promote public awareness and education, ensure policies and initiatives are informed by the communities they aim to support.

The NWT currently offers the most protection for two spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in Canada. This includes gender-affirming surgeries, trans+ healthcare, policies and more. Given the current political atmosphere targeting two spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, what steps would you take to preserve these protections?

It's crucial for policymakers to remain vigilant, responsive, and committed to upholding human rights and protections for all individuals, irrespective of gender identity or expression. I recognize the importance of enhancing my understanding of the issues to become a well-informed and valuable participant in the discussion.

The evacuation(s) this past summer were detrimental to many communities with devastating aftermaths. Were you impacted by the evacuation(s) this past summer and what did you do during that time? If elected, how do you plan to deal with the ongoing impacts, and how would you improve a future response?

If elected, I am committed to improving our response to future disasters. This includes advocating for a comprehensive and coordinated whole-of-government approach to disaster management. Collaboration between different governments, and agencies, effective communication, and well-defined roles and responsibilities are essential components of an efficient disaster response strategy.

I also recognize the importance of supporting those, like myself, who are on the front lines of disaster response efforts. This involves ensuring that workers have the resources, support, and mechanisms in place to maintain their well-being, including access to mental health services.