On January 18, 2023, students, faculty, and members of the McGill community gathered at Thomson House to attend the "Power, Policy and Queerness" panel – an event centered around the question: “How has the landscape changed for 2SLGBTQI+-centred policy making in Canada?” The panel discussion was organized by the Public Policy Association of Graduate Students at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, in reflection of a need for academic communities and policy practitioners to enhance discourse in this particular space.
In August 2022, the Government of Canada released its first Federal – aimed at supporting 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations, advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and in engaging the Canadian public in this process. The Action Plan earmarks a $100 million budgetary commitment over a period of five years, including establishing an implementation Secretariat.
3 panelists at the forefront of 2SLGBTQI+ issues in Canada with expertise in public health, youth engagement, and international development, shared their perspectives on the policy landscape: , Programs & Policy Research Officer at Rainbow Railroad, , Manager of Communications and Advocacy at the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity,, licensed Paralegal of the Law Society of Upper Canada and principal of Karas Legal Services.
Each panelist brought different lived and professional experiences to the conversation. But their common committment towards advocating for their communities, was driven by their visions to institute justice for generations to come. Moderated by MPP candidate , the discussion touched on the panelists’ respective roles and experiences in advocating and influencing policies which affected 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The panelists emphasized how their work intersects with policymaking processes, including their experience with the release of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. Panelists welcomed the Action Plan as an important first step. However, it left much to be desired.
As policy advocates and grassroot activists, they have complex working relationships with governments. While the panelists noted that they have allies at every level, policy area, and in the wider political spectrum, more often than not, advocates in civil society face barriers in creating more just systems, policies and structures, in the very places where decisions are made.
As Jaime Sadgrove put it, “everytime there is an election, the funding is dangled as an election issue. This speaks to the issue of power in the system”. The Action Plan’s funding, for example, is contingent on government renewal after five years. This does not offer longevity or sustainability for initiatives and programs. Far too often, organizations that directly serve traditionally excluded communities are expected to do lifesaving work, while constantly being underfunded and undervalued.
Some panelists were also actively involved in the consultation process for the Action Plan, only to learn later that their policy recommendations were not included nor responded to. “They asked us all these questions and did not use the information they got”, mentioned one of the panelists. Working in the non-profit sector, the work put into drafting these policy recommendations and briefings can drain precious resources from small organizations that are already so thinly-stretched.
Yet, groups that work directly with communities have historically pushed for more progressive policies. “I would like to see more activists brought into the fold”, Chris Karas noted, as the other two agreed how ultimately, it will be important to “queer the system”. Curt Wackett also added “We’re going to need people in positions of power. Taking up that space is important… and to [make that space] when it’s not there.”
The rise of the fear-mongering and anti-2SLGBTQI+ rhetoric in community spaces, like schools, are becoming important flash points where the rubber hits the road. It is where parents and school boards may be convinced to institute anti-trans policies. But it is also where families of queer children talk to their local MPs to advocate for their rights. Any policy or action plan will have to recognize the scales at which violence, hate, and discrimination happens – from a community level to systemic and national levels.
Moving forward, public policies will have to tackle misinformation and fear-fueled rhetoric on community levels, while nudging systematic changes across sectors spanning health, education, immigration, and more. Canada is good at talking the talk – and it will be imperative for the country to put the money where its mouth is.
About the Author
Prodpran Wangcherdchuwong is currently a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Max Bell School of Public Policy. She is a public engagement and dialogue practitioner who works with public sector partners at local, provincial, and national levels to design, implement, and facilitate public engagement initiatives on various topics, ranging from climate action, affordable housing, opioid crisis, education, reconciliation, to equity and justice. With the belief that people should have a say in decisions that affect them, Prodpran is passionate about democratic innovations that can remove barriers for citizens and communities to influence policy and create a culture of collaborative decision-making.
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This student-led event was organized by PPAGS, the Public Policy Association of Graduate Students. PPAGS serves as the official student representative body for Max Bell School MPP students. Membership of the organization is composed of all graduate students enrolled at Max Bell School.
Special thanks to: Dominique Garreaud, Tomo Wakiyama Newton, Anmol Gupta, Simon Topp, Linda Bui, Hayley Krieger, Prodpran W., Imani Thomas
