QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Action Plan on Combatting Hate
November 21, 2023
Senator Gold, yesterday was the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which was first observed in 1999 to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to address serious issues of anti-trans hate and violence. Ten senators rose in this chamber last month to speak to Inquiry No. 5 and call on the government to fulfill its promise to develop a robust anti-hate action plan, which would combat the threats to the safety, well-being and rights of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians.
Senator Gold, building on Senator Dupuis’ question regarding anti-hate speech legislation, could you tell us when that promised anti-hate action plan will be delivered?
Thank you for the question, and for reminding Canadians and me of the importance of those interventions in the Senate. I have shared those with my family; it touches us personally.
The government has been very clear that the stigma of discrimination that sexually diverse and gender-diverse folks continue to face is unacceptable. I have been informed that the government is currently working on the action plan, which is being supported by nearly $200 million in funding. I take a personal interest in that, and I shall continue to pursue it.
Senator Gold, thank you for that. We know that the current so-called “parental rights” campaign, which is focused on undermining the rights of transgender children in schools, is being fuelled by dangerous disinformation and the power of algorithms.
Senator Gold, what is the government doing to prevent these dangerous disinformation campaigns and to protect our most vulnerable children, yesterday being National Child Day in Canada.
Thank you for the question. As we know, the government has passed legislation to protect rights for transgender and gender-diverse Canadians. The government passed legislation to ban conversion therapy, and will continue to take every action necessary to protect and promote the rights of all Canadians, including those in the LGBTQ2 community.
