LUKE STACK

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.

 

I have served on Kelowna Council for 10 years. During this time I have supported making Kelowna a much more inclusive community. This has been done by changing our communication language and literature to emphasize inclusiveness of minorities, and people of all cultural and religious backgrounds.  

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

I know very little about it. It is not something we have considered on Council as education policy is not our jurisdiction. 

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?

We want to make Kelowna safe for everyone! In recent years I have supported adding bylaw officers to the City and expanding the RCMP.  I have always encouraged CPTED principles of design as well.   This is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.  

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 have been a supporter of the Journey Home Strategy. I have watched, and participated in the development of the strategy. I am on record as being a strong supporter of the actions they have recommended. It is my hope to see many of the recommendations implemented during the next 4 years.  

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?

 

It is not just LDBTQ+ youth that exit from Kelowna. It has been a trend for all youth in years gone by. I think the best thing Council can do is to keep encouraging growth in the City so that our economy provides opportunities for youth, our housing can be afforded by the youth and we have amenities in the City that attract youth people to stay in Kelowna. I have noticed a trend in recent years of more young people staying in Kelowna. With the growth we have encouraged in the tech sector, we have seen many youth get employment in this sector. The down town is much more attractive to young people than it has been in the past. 

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? 

 

A simple action we took a few years ago showed our support of inclusivity in Kelowna. We implemented the rainbow crosswalk on Pandosy. We did it swiftly and boldly to signal our support. A simple action can speak volumes.