Christopher Little-Gagné Reports

On April 24th I sent in an introduction letter about myself and a large amount of the Pride events in the prairies to the REVP’s office. As the PSAC Prairies website is not accurate I am waiting for the PSAC to send out the letter. As of June 25th this has not yet happened.

Currently there are events happening across Canada for Pride. Pride activities are underway in the region. Winnipeg Pride parade was June 4th and was a great success. This was the first year that we had a float in the parade and our members did a great job showing PSAC in a create community light. I was not able to attend in person as I was in Ottawa. We had members attend Brandon’s 3rd Pride parade on June 17th. I am waiting to hear back from the other cities within the regions. Congratulations on Flin Flon and Kenora on their first Pride activities.

Here is a clip from the letter I have created to be sent out: 

Alberta

• Jasper Pride: March
• Edmonton Pride Festival: June 9 to 18
• Lethbridge Pride: June 26 to July 4
• Central Alberta Pride Week (Red Deer): August 13 to 23 Calgary Pride: August 25 to September 4
• Medicine Hat Pride: September
• Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (Grand Prairie): ?
• Fort McMurrary LGBTQmunity: ?

Saskatchewan

• Moose Jaw Pride: May 1 to 7 Prince Albert Pride Week: ?
• Southwest Saskatchewan Pride (Swift Current): May 29 – June 3
• Saskatoon Pride: June 12 to 19
• Queen City Pride (Regina): June 9 to 18

Manitoba

• Brandon Pride: June 12- 18
• Pride Winnipeg: May 26 – June 4
• Flin Flon: August 18th (first Pride)
• Pride North of 55 (Thompson): June 10
• Steinbach Pride: July 15

I have been working with the Government of Canada’s interdepartmental Positive Space initiative. I highly recommend all members of the Federal Government who are allies to or members of the LGBTQ+ community attend their department’s initiatives or the interdepartmental initiative. Union activists should be active in making positive change from within. Any member interested should feel free to contact me for more information.

My Activities May 30 – sent an introduction letter to the PSAC Regional Office (Winnipeg) to have sent out to all councils and locals about myself and Pride events in the prairies June 18 – attended the Manitoba Marathon as a volunteer for the PSAC water station In Solidarity,

Christopher Little-Gagne

Activities:

Apr 21- 23 – PSAC Prairies Triennial

May 3 – PSAC Winnipeg Area Council

May 6 – Rainbow Resource Centre Gala

Jun 18 – PSAC Manitoba Marathon Water table

Jul12 – Borderland pride meeting Fort Frances

Jul 15 – Steinbach Pride Parade

Jul 28 – PSAC picket at Winnipeg Airport

Jul 29 – PSAC Phoenix picket to the Prime Minister in Winnipeg

Aug 8 – LGBT intro letter sent out to prairies

Aug 27 – Ottawa Pride Parade

Sept 14 – PSAC PRC meeting

Oct 2 – PSAC PRC Disciplinary call

Nov 20 – Statement on Trans Day of Remembrance

Nov 24 – Letter sent to Alberta premier on GSA’s

Nov 30 – Dec 3 – PSAC Leadership training in Ottawa

Dec 3 – PRC education committee meeting

Dec 4 – 5 – PSAC National Human Right Meeting Ottawa

Dec 13 – PSAC Winnipeg Area Council meeting

Jan 3 – email sent to Habitat for Humanity on Union activity approach

Feb 5 – Canadian Labour Congress lobby training

Feb 10 – 11 – PRC meeting in Edmonton

1. Letter from LGBT Rep (August 8 2017):

Hello Area Councils, Human Rights Committees and Women’s Committees.

My name is Chris Little-Gagné and I am your elected GLBT Representative on the Prairie Region Council. 

A bit about me from my PRC Bio: http://prairies.psac.com/node/9460

I have been involved with PSAC for eight years and am currently Union of National Employees Regional Vice-President for Manitoba. In the past, I have served in various roles, including: ARVP UNE Manitoba; President of Local 50235; Vice-President of Local 50235; Human Rights Rep for Local 50235; and Chair of the Winnipeg Human Rights Committee. Outside of PSAC, I am currently a member of Solidarity & Pride Committee for the Manitoba Federation of Labour. I am currently working with my department at bringing the Positive Space Initiative in (a Government wide initiative to create a safe space for LGBT* members and their allies).

I am hoping to work with you to assist your committees and councils on issues concerning the LGBT2QI* community.  I am willing and able to set up time to call into your meetings if there is anything that you would require my assistance on.

I would like to remind everyone of the great PSAC campaigns (Child Care and Domestic Violence).  Please take the time to consider that these campaigns do affect the LGBT* community as well and there could be some great tie-ins and support from the community if approached.

As we are currently entering the Pride season, below are the current events that I am aware of. I would like it if your committees and councils can let me know what you are doing to show PSAC support and let me know if there is anything I can support on.

Alberta
Jasper Pride: March
Edmonton Pride Festival: June 9 to 18
Lethbridge Pride: June 26 to July 4
Central Alberta Pride Week (Red Deer): August 13 to 23
Calgary Pride: August 25 to September 4
Medicine Hat Pride: September
Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (Grand Prairie)
Fort McMurrary LGBTQmunity

Saskatchewan
Moose Jaw Pride: May 1 to 7
Prince Albert Pride Week:
Southwest Saskatchewan Pride (Swift Current): May 29 – June 3
Saskatoon Pride: June 12 to 19
Queen City Pride (Regina): June 9 to 18

Manitoba
Brandon Pride: June 12- 18
Pride Winnipeg: May 26 – June 4
Pride North of 55 (Thompson): June 10 https://www.facebook.com/PrideNorth/
Steinbach Pride: July 15
Winnipeg should focus on the following for an activity in 2020. http://fiertecanadapride.org/winnipeg-to-host-canada-pride-2020/

Other dates of importance:

January 27	Holocaust Remembrance Day
March 31	International Transgender Day of Visibility
April 13	Day of Pink
May 17	International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 22	Harvey Milk Day
May 24	Pansexual and Panromantic Awarenessand Visibility Day
June	LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June 28	Stonewall Riots Anniversary
September	Bisexual Awareness Week
September 23	Celebrate Bisexuality Day
October 11	National Coming Out Day
October 15	Spirit Day
October 26	Intersex Awareness Day
October	Ally Week
October	Asexual Awareness Day
November 8	Intersex Day of Remembrance(Intersex Solidarity Day)
November 20	Transgender Day of Remembrance
December 1	World AIDS Day
December 10	Human Rights Day

Thank you for taking the time to read this and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or actions that you will need assistance with.

Chris Little-Gagné
GLBT Rep – PRC
christopher.little-gagne@une-sen.org

 2. TDOR letter (November 20 2017):

PSAC Prairies Statement: Trans Day of Remembrance

On November 20, communities across the Prairies, Canada and the world gather to remember those trans people who have passed away in the past year, including victims of transphobic violence. As we remember, we must rededicate ourselves to the struggle against discrimination and violence that too often targets transgender and gender-variant people. 

We know that we have a lot to do. A recent study of transgender youth in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has found that nearly 50 per cent of school-age youth in Manitoba and Saskatchewan attempted suicide, while 60 per cent had engaged in self-harming behaviour. These figures are both well above the already tragic national numbers. In Alberta, results of a similar survey show that almost 65 per cent of transgender youth have thought about suicide.

In Canada, we can finally celebrate the passing of Bill C-16, which will enshrine trans rights into Canadian law. This legislation adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of distinguishing characteristics of “identifiable groups” protected by the hate speech provisions in the Criminal Code. Ten of the 13 provincial and territorial jurisdictions already have similar legislation in place.

PSAC has been a strong supporter of the rights of our gay and lesbian, bisexual and trans members. We campaigned for C-16, and have bargained language in our collective agreements on issues such as discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression, access to safe washrooms and change rooms, and the right to be referred to by one’s chosen gender. This work continues.

All people deserve respect, equality and protection from discrimination and violence. We will do everything in our power to be better allies and put an end to transphobia and transphobic violence.

In Solidarity,

Chris Little-Gagné
Regional Vice-President, Manitoba
Union of National Employees, PSAC
GLBT Representative on the Prairie Region Council, PSAC

Marianne Hladun  
Regional Executive Vice-President, Prairies
Public Service Alliance of Canada

1. Letter to Alberta Premier on GSA’s (November 24 2017): http://prairies.psac.com/node/9809

Letter: Congratulations to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on the Passing of Bill 24

PSAC-Prairies has written Premier Notley to congratulate her and her government on passing legislation to support Gay-Straight Alliances in Alberta schools. (Text below; the letter is also attached).

Premier Rachel Notley

RE: Congratulations on the passing of Bill 24

We are writing today to congratulate you and your government on the passing of Bill 24: An Act to Support Gay-Straight Alliances. With this legislation, some of the most vulnerable students in Alberta will now be protected in law.

The positive impact of Gay-Straight Alliances and other similar student organizations is clear. Bill 24 ensures that students can have access to peer support when they need it the most, and that every single school in Alberta that receives public dollars must have a policy that clearly allows students to form a gay-straight alliance. Because these policies will be made public by school authorities, there will transparency and accountability to the students and communities they serve. It is vital that students know that their right to access the support they need is not subject to the whims of any one institution or individual. No one can be outed for their participation in a GSA or QSA.

Unfortunately, this legislation has been subject to mis-informed and sometimes malicious opposition. While the majority of public discussion has been respectful and democratic, some public figures have chosen to use this legislation to further marginalize the LGBT community and promote fear.

By recognizing the benefits of these student organizations, including the very real potential to save lives, the Government of Alberta has placed itself on the right side of history.

Sincerely,

Chris Little-Gagné

Regional Vice-President, Manitoba

Union of National Employees, PSAC

GLBT Representative on the Prairie Region Council, PSAC

Marianne Hladun  

Regional Executive Vice-President, Prairies

Public Service Alliance of Canada

1. Positive Space Letter:

January 9, 2018

Hello Activists,

I am writing to increase awareness of the Positive Space Initiative, which was based on the Positive Space Campaign of the Ontario Public Service. The initiative aims to positively enhance the work experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two –Spirit and questioning+ (LGBTQ2+) employees by encouraging the creation of a safer, more inclusive, and open-minded environment.

The creation of a Positive Space is committed to:

– providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for people of all sexual orientations and gender

identities;

– discussing sexual orientation and gender identities in a positive way; and

– referring questions on sexual orientation and gender identities to a contact person as appropriate.

The Positive Space Initiative in the Ontario Public Service and many Government of Canada workplaces is there to train Positive Space Ambassadors as well as provide diversity training. Ambassadors then become visible in their workspace as a “positive space” for anyone dealing with sexual orientation or gender identity issues, or for anyone seeking more information on the subject.

While ambassadors may not be an expert on LGBTQ issues, they are committed to providing helpful resources and referrals, and to educate in contributing to a more diverse and inclusive public service.

This Initiative is very important and should be taken on by all workplaces. Activists within the union should be on these initiatives to ensure that management is not just implementing to say they have one, but not creating an inclusive workplace.

Government of Canada workplaces: GCconnex – search Positive Space Initiative; there are many Departments that have ambassadors. You can also contact the Canada School of Public Service to see if there is training in your area. http://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/events/psit/index-eng.aspx

Separate Employers or Directly Chartered Locals: There are many tools out there that can be used to help work with Management on bringing in this great Initiative.https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/part…https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017/11/28/government-canada-initiatives-suppo…

I am willing to work with you on the many approaches that can be implemented in your workplaces. I look

forward to assisting you on being an active member/ally for an inclusive workplace.

Contact your regional PSAC office for any training PSAC offers.

In Solidarity,

Chris Little-Gagné

LGBT Representative PSAC Prairie Regional Counci

February 12 –

March 19 – Rainbow Resource Centre Community Panelist on the Government of Canada Apology to LGBT+ community
April 4 – National Human Rights LGBTQ2+ call
April 29 – May 4 – PSAC Triennial Convention
May 24 – 27 – Manitoba Federation of Labour Convention
June 3 – Pride Winnipeg
July 14 – Pride Fort Frances Ontario (First every Pride crossing an International Border)
July 26 – National Human Rights LGBTQ2+ call
September 6 – PRC Education Committee call
October 10 – PRC conference call

1. PSAC LGBT Rep Letter: Positive Space Initiative (January 9, 2018)

Hello Activists,

I am writing to increase awareness of the Positive Space Initiative, which was based on the Positive Space Campaign of the Ontario Public Service. The initiative aims to positively enhance the work experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two –Spirit and questioning+ (LGBTQ2+) employees by encouraging the creation of a safer, more inclusive, and open-minded environment.

The creation of a Positive Space is committed to:

• providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities;
• discussing sexual orientation and gender identities in a positive way; and
• referring questions on sexual orientation and gender identities to a contact person as appropriate.

The Positive Space Initiative in the Ontario Public Service and many Government of Canada workplaces is there to train Positive Space Ambassadors as well as provide diversity training.  Ambassadors then become visible in their workspace as a “positive space” for anyone dealing with sexual orientation or gender identity issues, or for anyone seeking more information on the subject.

While ambassadors may not be an expert on LGBTQ issues, they are committed to providing helpful resources and referrals, and to educate in contributing to a more diverse and inclusive public service.

This Initiative is very important and should be taken on by all workplaces.  Activists within the union should be on these initiatives to ensure that management is not just implementing to say they have one, but not creating an inclusive workplace.

Government of Canada workplaces: GCconnex – search Positive Space Initiative; there are many Departments that have ambassadors. You can also contact the Canada School of Public Service to see if there is training in your area. http://www.csps-efpc.gc.ca/events/psit/index-eng.aspx

Separate Employers or Directly Chartered Locals: There are many tools out there that can be used to help work with Management on bringing in this great Initiative.https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/part… https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017/11/28/government-canada-initiatives-suppo…

I am willing to work with you on the many approaches that can be implemented in your workplaces. I look forward to assisting you on being an active member/ally for an inclusive workplace.

Contact your regional PSAC office for any training PSAC offers.

In Solidarity,

Chris Little-Gagné
LGBT Representative PSAC Prairie Regional Council

2. Letter from LGBTQ2+ Rep on 2018 Pride Activities in the Prairies (April 18, 2018)

Hello Members, Area Councils, Human Rights Committees and Women’s Committees. My name is Chris Little-Gagné and I am your elected GLBT Representative on the Prairie Region Council. 

May 17th is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.  The 2018 campaign this year is “Still a crime in my country”, visit www.homophobie.org to get great information or print off posters to help share for diversity and inclusion at your workplace. (Digital information should be available soon.)

As we are currently entering the Pride season, below are the current events. Please let us know what PSAC committees and members are doing to show support. We would love to share photos of local pride events on the PSAC Prairies website. You can let Thomas Linner know at linnert@psac.com

Alberta

• Jasper Pride: April 19 to 22 
• Edmonton Pride Festival: June 8 to 17 
• Lethbridge Pride: June 15 to 23 
• Central Alberta Pride Week (Red Deer): August 12 to 19 
• Calgary Pride: August 24 to September 3 
• Medicine Hat Pride: Dates TBA 
• Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (Grand Prairie):  June 14 to 16 
• Fort McMurray LGBTQmunity: August

Saskatchewan

• Moose Jaw Pride: Dates TBA 
• Prince Albert Pride Week: June 3 to 9 
• Southwest Saskatchewan Pride (Swift Current): June 3 to 9
• Saskatoon Pride: June 10 to 24 
• Queen City Pride (Regina): June 8 to 17 

Manitoba

• Brandon Pride: June 11- 16 /
• Pride Winnipeg: May 25 – June 3 
• Pride North of 55 (Thompson): Dates TBA 
• Steinbach Pride: July 9
• Winnipeg should also focus on this event for an activity in 2020. 

I would like to remind everyone of the great PSAC campaigns (Child Care and Domestic Violence).  These campaigns do affect the LGBT+ community as well and there could be some great tie-ins and support from the community if approached. Please contact me if you are looking at gaining more information about the Positive Space initiative and how you can bring diversity and inclusion for LGBT+ members to your local/workplace.

In Solidarity,

Christopher Little-Gagné
GLBT Prairies Representative

Nov 1 – 4 PRC Meeting
Nov 8 – LGBT Arm Chair Discussion Canada School of Public Service
Nov 19 – 21 PSAC Childcare Lobby in Ottawa
Dec 3 – 5 PSAC National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) meeting in Ottawa
Jan 9 – PSAC Prairies National Officer Call
Jan 10 – PSAC Prairies Bargaining Webinar
Feb 6 – Meet with PSAC Members in Churchill
Feb 7 – PRC conference call
Feb 26 – PSAC NHRC conference call
Mar 26 – Meet with Prime Minister with other union activists
May 9 – PRC Conference call
May 24 – 26 PRC Meeting
May 25 – Parade/Rally on 1919 Winnipeg Strike 100 year anniversary
May 29 – PSAC NHRC conference call
Jun 2 – Pride Winnipeg

1. PSAC LGBTQ2+ Rep Letter: Activities on the Prairies (April 5, 2019)

Members of our union family,

My name is Chris Little-Gagné and I am your elected LGBTQ2+ Representative on the Prairie Region Council. Below is very important information that can be used to engage with our members and our communities.

May 17th is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.  The 2019 campaign has yet to be announced, so continue to visit www.homophobie.org to get great information or print off posters. This site will help gain tools and activities on diversity and inclusion at your workplace. (Digital information should be available soon.) The past campaigns have been:

2018 : Rights in the world                                    2017 : No matter the gender

2016 : Homophobia affects all ages                    2015 : Allies show their colors

2014 : Homoparentality                                       2013 : Fighting homophobia online

2012 : Diversity at work pays off                         2011 : Same sex couples

2010 : Homophobia in sports                              2008 : Homosexuality is not a disease

2007 : Sexual orientation is not a choice             2006 : Homophobia is hiding

2005 : Presumed heterosexual                            2004 : War against homophobia

2003 : Shocking ? Only for homophobes

As we are currently entering the Pride season, below are the current events. Please let us know what PSAC committees and members are doing to show support. We would love to share photos of local pride events on the PSAC Prairies website. You can let Thomas Linner know at linnert@psac.com

Alberta

• Jasper Pride: April 25 to 28 
• Edmonton Pride Festival: June 7 to 16 
• Lethbridge Pride: Dates TBA 
• Central Alberta Pride Week (Red Deer): August 10 to 18 
• Calgary Pride: August 23 to September 2 
• Medicine Hat Pride: Dates TBA 
• Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (Grand Prairie):  Dates TBA 
• Fort McMurray LGBTQmunity: Dates TBA

Saskatchewan

• Moose Jaw Pride: Dates TBA 
• Prince Albert Pride Week: Dates TBA 
• Southwest Saskatchewan Pride (Swift Current): Dates TBA
• Saskatoon Pride: June 14 to 22 
• Queen City Pride (Regina): June 7 to 16 

Manitoba

• Brandon Pride: June 10- 16
• Pride Winnipeg: May 24 – June 2
• Pride North of 55 (Thompson): Dates TBA 
• Steinbach Pride: July 20
• Winnipeg should also focus on Fierte Canada Pride for an activity in July 16 to 27, 2020. 

I would like to remind everyone of the great PSAC campaigns (Child Care and Pharmacare).  These campaigns do affect the LGBTQ2+ community as well and there could be some great tie-ins and support from the community if approached. Please contact me if you are looking at gaining more information about the Positive Space initiative and how you can bring diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ2+ members to your local/workplace.

I am working with Canadian Virtual Hospice. They are developing online palliative care and grief support tools to meet a variety of needs for LGBTQ2+ patients, partners, families, caregivers, and their care providers across Canada.

They are looking for people in these communities who have had personal experiences navigating the healthcare system when it comes to advanced illness, and who are willing to share their stories or add their voices to help others, through our award-winning online tools.   

They are asking people to share their personal perspectives, experiences and insights as they develop these support tools.  

‎If you are interested in being a part of this project or would simply like some more information, please feel free to get in touch with us at Canadian Virtual Hospice.

2. PSAC LGBTQ2+ Rep Letter: IDAHOT (May 17, 2019)

Dear members of our union family:

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May 17th), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) joins in solidarity with LGBTQ2+ workers to eradicate discrimination. On May 17, 1990, homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of mental disorders. In 2003, Fondation Émergence created the first national day against homophobia. You can find more information on Fondation Émergence and the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia here: https://www.fondationemergence.org/la-journee?lang=en

This year’s theme is “Online Violence against LGBTQ2+ people has real life consequences”. Though there has been real progress made, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirit people continue to face discrimination and harassment at work and in their daily lives – and the growing power of online hate groups is only making matters worse. So we much stay vigilant. 73% of LGBTQ2+ people have been personally attacked or harassed online.

Here in the Prairies we are watching with concern as the new United Conservative Party government in Alberta under Premier Jason Kenney has pledged to undo legislation passed by the previous government to protect Gay/Straight Alliances in schools. There is some good news. In Budget 2019 the federal government committed $20 million over 2 years for community-based initiatives to support LGBTQ2+ people in Canada, and $1.2 million in 2020-21 for the LGBTQ2+ Secretariat. These are positive steps, but more must be done.

That is why last year PSAC launched our campaign to build trans-inclusive workplaces. More information on these initiatives can be found here. http://psacunion.ca/transrights