PETER PAGLIOCCHINI

Question 1. As a former educator in our district, I fully supported our BCTF position on full inclusion
and anti-discrimination on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender and religion. I spent two years
on the Cota executive as Social Justice Chair where I promoted programs that reinforced anti bullying
strategies and equitable treatment for all students. I continue to be a strong advocate for human rights
issues.

Question 2. SOGI123: I fully endorse this program on the basis of the awareness building that the
materials serve to facilitate. We must acknowledge that differences regarding sexual orientation should
not serve as a foundation for exclusion and antagonism towards any individual.

Question 3. In my opinion, a good deal of the problem centres on lack of information and educational
deficits in the areas of tolerance building and empathy. In many instances our schools have attempted
to address bullying and discrimination, unfortunately with only limited success. We should revaluate our
efforts by garnering input from the affected stake holders. This should prove to teach young students
empathy and respect for differences, thus laying a foundational step towards building a safer more
inclusive Kelowna.
Question 4. Mental health and addiction are issues are of great concern because of the damage that it
creates on individuals, their families, and wider community. According to research, 70% of mental
health problems have their onset during childhood and adolescence. Also, young people aged 15 to 24
are more likely to experience mental illness and or substance disorders than any other group.
Given the above, it is obvious that schools could and should play a greater role to help with early
identification. From this standpoint, more resources and experts such as psychologists and counselors
would be a key component to get young people the help that they need on an individual basis. As
always, early and targeted intervention is the key.
Question 5.There are two main issues that I feel are crucial to acknowledge. Issue 1, the overall
unemployment rate among young adults is running at 16% while the rate for the older demographic is at
6.6%. The relatively high unemployment rate amongst our youth speaks to the lack of gainful
employment for this demographic and is a significant causative factor for this exodus. However, it
should be noted, that in recent times the growth in the technology and service industries is slowly
reducing this rate.
Issue 2. Historically, there has been a lack of strong support system for LGBTQ+ youth, causing feelings
of isolation. Larger cities such as Vancouver and Toronto offered supportive spaces that encouraged
social events and mingling of youth within an atmosphere of greater tolerance and acceptance.
Over the last few years Kelowna has made greater strides in making this community more welcoming
through Pride parades and culturally targeted events. I would encourage the growth of these community bonding

events as they are essential to creating a supportive community that youth of all
backgrounds would want to be a part of.

Question 6. As a son of immigrants, I have experienced firsthand the struggles of finding my place in a
new community. I understand what it is like to be seen as different and in some cases less than, and
have made my mission to always foster the principles of inclusion and acceptance in both my personal
and professional life.
From a personal perspective, my wife, children and I have always been open to all people regardless of
race, sexual orientation, gender or indigenous. From a race perspective, my eldest son married an
incredible young lady from the Gambia and my daughter married a great young man from Nigeria. My
daughter and son in-law have recently welcomed their first child and our first grandchild whose name is
Pietro O’Tayo, Onikoyi. My personal background and the principles that I subscribe to will serve to make
me an ally in promoting an inclusive community.