MARK BOYER

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.
Answer: A lot of the content in this question doesn’t apply to me. Where I work we have a
Code of Conduct policy that every employee must read and sign as well as harassment training.
I have never been to a Pride event but have worked with people from the LGBTQ+ community. I
have spoken out against bullying and discrimination and taught my children to do the same.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.
Answer: I have read the documents on the education website and think for the most part it is
good. I am a firm believer that changing attitudes towards those who are different be they
LGBTQ+ or have mental or physical impairments begins at home. The curriculum seems to be
good for the younger grades. I feel throwing too much at them would only confuse them in how
they should feel, think or act. Having a good foundation in respect of others goes a long way
towards achieving the goals set out in SOGI 123.
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?
Answer: Unfortunately I don’t think the above will ever go away, there will always be those who
bully and harass to make themselves feel bigger and better than other who are different. I think
the City is doing a good job and it should be up to the courts to address the bad behaviour of
those caught and convicted of crimes against all groups.
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?
Answer: Better support for everyone is needed in the community. Recognizing the contributions
of the LGBTQ+ community through the sponsorship and promotion of community events seems
to be working, such as Pride Week. Let’s Talk and other campaigns geared towards mental
health and bullying are a good start but need to be expanded or at least publicize that the help is
there. Again this goes back to parents, teachers and those in authority setting a good example
for children to follow so they become more inclusive naturally than having it forced on them.
5. 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 believe that there are a number of events already that promote the different cultures and
genders. I feel that these groups should sponsor festivals promoting their culture (food, dress,
music etc.). These are what brings the community together, politicians can’t force it. For example Greekfest in Ottawa runs for 10 days in August and is hugely successful. People from all backgrounds attend it.