MAXINE DEHART

1.       As a city councillor I have supported issues such as the Pride Parade which I have participated in, voted favourably on a rainbow crosswalk in downtown Kelowna, attended multiple pride events, including the TD Bank Pride event along with many other events and will continue to be supportive in the LGBTQ+ community.

2.       In general, I am in support of a better level of inclusiveness in our communities, including within our schools.  However as a candidate for City Council, I limit my comments to those pertaining to municipal business.  Education curriculum is a Provincial Government and School Board issue. 

3.       As a city councillor I have been working hard to make Kelowna safer for all citizens and work with the RCMP and Bylaw Officers on all levels. I will continue to speak and work with all levels of law enforcement in relation to eliminating harassment, bullying and violence.

4.        As a councillor I have helped and voted for the safe mobile injection site in both downtown Kelowna and Rutland. I have continually worked with IHA, John Howard Society and B.C. Housing to address mental illness and solutions regarding safe housing and the challenges with mental illness.  Council endorsed the Kelowna Journey Home Strategy Community Report just a few months ago ensuring Kelowna’s Strategy to address homelessness for all. The extensive report which will cost $49 Million dollars over 5 years was endorsed wholeheartedly by myself. If elected I will ensure that this plan continues. You can view this extensive plan which was funded by the City of Kelowna on www.kelowna.ca. I will continue to work hard to ensure that LGBTQ+ community leaders are included in these further discussions and also with mental health issue discussions.

5.       All youth routinely leave Kelowna for large cities for university and better and more interesting jobs. That has never changed. As Kelowna grows we want to ensure there are good jobs for all youth to stay in our community. We want to make sure that it is safe and attractive and affordable to live and work here so that more youth can make Kelowna their full time base.

6.       I work for all individuals and want Kelowna to b as inclusive and open as possible. We must welcome people of all walks of life making Kelowna a city of for everyone.