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

• Directly, I have family and friends in the community here in Yellowknife and elsewhere.

• When invited in the past, I would sponsor and support events of the community here in Yellowknife.

• Personally, when I lived in Calgary for a number of years, I used to coach at the Apollo Swim Club which was almost 100% 2SLGBTQIA+.

• Finally, I would take any occasion to ensure I can reasonably help where and when I can.

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?

• When I was the MLA for YK for 12 years, I sponsored the motion to do such that.

• However noting how little has been done on the Calls to Action, I would use my position to ensure we can make further advancements until those calls have been met.

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 have several friends, including family members who fall within your questions.

• I would continue to help be an advocate to ensure people feel comfortable and safe.

• One challenge I see as urgent is, breaking down the unknowns, fears and misunderstandings through advocacy and communication.

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?

• Ensure there is no erosion of supports and protections

• Seek what further support is needed

• Communicate that to and throughout the system

• And take an open stance against any and all hate, including fear.

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?

• Yes, my family and I were impacted

• However during that time, I volunteered my time throughout those three weeks, and I drove families and individuals around Calgary for personal errands – shopping, groceries, laundry and a multitude of pick-ups, etc.

• I called for a review of what had been done, and I publicly called for the Auditor General of Canada to review what was done

• I called for, and want, a no-fault review so people can be completely honest

• I would like to see the Government develop all the community evacuation plans, and then publicly post all plans on the website for transparency

• Moving forward from there, then we will be supporting, training, and partnerships (Indigenous & other governments), to ensure we are working together