COLIN BASRAN

Thank you so much for reaching out to me with these questions!

Please see my responses below:

1. How have you advocated for the LGBTQ+ community and supported inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in the past (i.e. have you spoken out publicly for policies at your place of business, testified before government bodies, adopted written policies for your employees, marched for equal rights, etc.)? Please feel free to include events you have participated in and relevant organizations who have endorsed you.

Our City should be a place where people can be who they were born to be.

From my initial campaign for City Council in 2011 I advocated for Kelowna becoming a more inclusive community where everyone could feel safe and welcome, regardless of race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation. I have continued to advocate for these rights since then, throughout my term as Mayor.

I was very supportive of the rainbow crosswalks in downtown Kelowna and after being called “Mayor Sugarplum” have worked with the Okanagan Young Professionals on the Sugarplum Ball, which was a huge hit in the community. The Sugarplum Ball was recently awarded the National Economic Development Marketing Canada Award.

I have also participated in every Pride March in Kelowna since being elected 7 years ago and in 2016 was fortunate to be named Grand Marshall. I have also participated in Kelowna’s Trans March and every year as Mayor I have issued a Proclamation for Pride Week.

2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.

I support any bullying prevention program or initiative that promotes acceptance and inclusion. I will admit that I am not yet that familiar with SOGI123 resources. However, I am definitely supportive of their mandate to create inclusive policies, learning environments, and lesson plans to help students feel safe and accepted for who they are. Education is the first step to toward abolishing discrimination!

3. The LGBTQ community in Kelowna continues to face harassment, bullying and violence because of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. How will you work to promote a safer, more inclusive Kelowna?

I have marched in events, spoken out publicly, and issued proclamations in an effort to promote inclusion and acceptance. The more we join our voices to speak out against violence and discrimination, the more it will become unacceptable. We need to look out for one another and stand united as a community. I will continue to be an ally, to offer my voice and my support. I will continue to walk alongside my LGBTQ+ friends.

4. Mental health and addictions issues have impacted our community like many others. The LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected due to many social and economic factors. What will you do to improve and address these issue, and improve the mental health and wellness of our community?

I believe that dedicating resources to deal with mental health and addiction issues not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone affected by these challenges. I was one of the first people to sign on to support and advocate for the Foundry Youth and Family Mental Health Centre in Kelowna. I have built a strong relationship with Mental Health and Addictions Minister, Judy Darcy and will continue to advocate for more mental health supports through Interior Health and agencies like the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Provincial funding has also helped us create a Community Action Team that has been set up and is implementing initiatives to help reduce the number of drug overdose deaths in the City. I am also a supporter of the Etcetera Youth Group and I believe it is an important resource for our younger residents. When the Living Positive Resource Centre was looking for a new home, I provided a letter of support to prospective landlords speaking to the importance of the services the Centre provides to our residents.

A disproportionate number of those on our streets identity as LGBTQ+. The Journey Home Strategy is a comprehensive homelessness plan that is currently being implemented that involves cooperation with the senior levels of government and a number of partner organizations. I fully support the Journey Home Strategy and will continue to work on implementing it over the next term as Mayor.

5. LGBTQ+ youth and young adults routinely leave Kelowna for larger cities once they have reached the age of majority. What factors do you think lead to this mass exodus, and what would you do to address these issues?

While Kelowna has become younger and more inclusive over the last several years, we still have a long way to go as there are many people in the community who still adhere to their outdated, prejudiced views. Continuing to talk to the issues and promoting inclusiveness will keep us on our current trend that will eventually lead to more of our LGBTQ+ youth choosing to stay in Kelowna.

And like with all youth, we need to make sure there are economic, social and cultural opportunities for them in our community.

6. Ally is a verb. How would you specifically support our QTBIMPoC (Queer, Trans, Black, Mixed Race, Indigenous, People of Color), immigrants and refugees, and ensure they see themselves represented in our community?

I will continue to and speak for inclusivity and acceptance. I will also continue supporting and participating in the different events, like the Pride March and this year was inspired by Anas Qartoumeh a gay Syrian refugee who now calls Kelowna home. I have spoken at events hosted by Kelowna Community Resources, which does a fantastic job of providing services to immigrants and new residents of our Community. I am also proud of businesses in our City like Peter’s Independent Grocer, where immigrants are given the opportunity to enter the workforce. A number of local church organizations also deserve recognition for the great work they’ve done, sponsoring several Syrian refugees and giving them new opportunities for a better life.