The next federal election is happening on April 28, 2025. You can find information on how to vote here and you can check to see if you're registered to vote here.
This election, we have sent an e-mail to all candidates* with a single question to answer:
If elected, what specific actions will you be taking to protect and affirm the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Waterloo region?
Below we have provided the response we have received from candidates, or noted if we have yet to receive a reply. Candidates are organized by their riding, and listed in alphabetical order by first name. Click on your riding to see you candidates' responses. The first e-mail to candidates went out on March 26, 2025.
Bryan May - Liberal Party
No response yet.
Connie Cody - Conservative Party
No response yet.
Jose de Lima - New Democratic Party
No response yet.
Lux Burgess - Green Party
Thanks for reaching out, and great question! One of many reasons I've chosen to represent the Green Party in this election is because of their commitment to stand up for all marginalized communities. I stand firmly behind this commitment, and would do my best to listen to those of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to learn how best I could support them in Cambridge.
Some examples of this might be:
- Combating Discrimination and Bullying -- The Green Party supports the creation of stronger criminal laws to deter bullying and cyberbullying, particularly those targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Addressing Historical Injustices - The Green Party has criticized amendments to the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act for excluding sex workers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They emphasized the need to decriminalize prostitution and develop regulations to protect sex workers, many of whom are part of the LGBTQ+ community
- Stopping Hate and Discrimination: The Green Party has committed to fighting all forms of hate and discrimination to make Canada a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
Brian Adeba - Liberal Party
As you know, the Liberal Party of Canada is the Canadian Political Party of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Liberals are the Party who included the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution Act of 1982. The Liberal Party of Canada continues to stand by the Charter and defend its values. The Liberal Party of Canada stands for multiculturalism, and all the non-discrimination categories of Section 15. The Liberal Party will not reduce Charter Rights and Freedoms by using the Notwithstanding Clause.
So, as your representative I will be happy to stand with my colleagues in the Liberal Party of Canada to support equality for Trans and sexually diverse Canadians included in the LGBT+ banner as well as women in sports. I would also support funding for these worthy causes.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to working with you as we continue to build our great nation. Canada Strong!
Kelly DeRidder - Conservative Party
No response yet.
Mike Morrice - Green Party
Regardless of what happens in this election, I will continue to stand up for and alongside the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Waterloo Region. If re-elected as the MP for Kitchener Centre, I will continue to use the national platform and legislative tools available to an MP to amplify and strengthen this advocacy. In my time as an MP to-date, this has included sponsoring a petition for trans asylum seekers that garnered over 160,000 signatures back in 2022, to lifting up Queer Momentum’s call for the federal government do more to protect the queer community in the face of Trump’s attacks.
As an MP, I will always be there to support and amplify the rights and priorities of the queer community in Waterloo Region.
Wasai Rahimi - People's Party
No response yet.
Doug Treleaven - Conservative Party
No response yet.
Kevin Dupuis - People's Party
No response yet.
Maya Bozorgzad - New Democratic Party
Protecting and affirming the 2SLGBTQ+ community is a priority for me. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, supported, and loved.
If elected, I will be a staunch advocate for increased funding for community organizations that provide essential support, mental health resources, and safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ community members. These local organizations are critical and play a vital role in fostering inclusion and offering resources for those of all ages facing discrimination or isolation.
I also believe in ensuring accessible, gender-affirming healthcare for all. That means pushing for federal funding to improve access to services like hormone therapy, mental health support, and transition-related care. No one should have to travel far or face long wait times for the care they need.
It is important to me that 2SLGBTQ+ youth feel supported both in the community and in schools. This means working with the province to promote inclusive education programs and anti-bullying initiatives. It’s important that all students feel seen and valued in their learning environments. Recent events, like the motion to ban symbols like the Pride flag at the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board, are deeply concerning and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Symbols of inclusion and acceptance matter, and actions like these are disheartening in proving we are not moving in the right direction. As your representative, I will stand firmly against this and work to ensure that all members of our community feel valued, supported, and safe.
Finally, I will always remain committed to being accessible and actively listening to the 2SLGBTQ+ community about the issues that matter most to them. I want every member of our community to feel comfortable reaching out to me directly to share their experiences and ideas on how our government and local initiatives can better support and uplift them. Your voices will always be heard and valued.
I’m committed to working alongside the 2SLGBTQ+ community to build a safer and more inclusive region where we can all thrive.
Tim Louis - Liberal Party
No response yet.
Matt Straus - Conservative Party
No response yet.
Randy Williams - People's Party
When it comes to Rights, you have no more and no less rights than every other Canadian. I will defend the Canadian Constitution and the Charter. That is a promise.
Who does the Charter protect and what rights are protected?
Any person in Canada – whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a newcomer – has the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter. There are some exceptions. For example, the Charter gives some rights only to Canadian citizens – such as the right to vote (section 3) and the right “to enter, remain in and leave Canada” (section 6).
Equality rights – section 15
Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law
15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Valerie Bradford - Liberal Party
No response yet.
Bardish Chagger - Liberal Party
No response yet.
Douglas Ross - People's Party
No response yet.
Héline Chow - New Democratic Party
Protecting and affirming the 2SLGBTQ+ community is extremely important to me. In a time where the fundamental rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people are under attack it is essential to stand together against hate. Win or lose, I hope to help ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, feels safe, valued, and supported in Waterloo. New Democrats are committed to fighting alongside the 2SLGBTQI+ community towards a future without transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia. More concretely, there are many things the federal government can do to protect the 2SLGBTQ+ community such as:
- Advocating for Inclusive Policies: I will push for stronger anti-discrimination laws to protect 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.
- Supporting Mental Health Services: I will work to increase funding for mental health programs specifically tailored to the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults.
- Promoting Education and Awareness: I will champion inclusive education that celebrates diversity and teaches respect for all identities.
- Ensuring Access to Healthcare: I will fight for equitable access to healthcare, including gender-affirming care, for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
I am committed to listening to the community, learning from their experiences, and working alongside them to create a society where everyone can thrive.
Simon Guthrie - Green Party
No response yet.
Waseem Botros - Conservative Party
No response yet.
*Note, full candidate registration isn't confirmed until April 6, 2025. We will be updating this page and sending messages to candidates as we become aware of them. If you are a candidate, you can contact us at info@ourspectrum.com.
Any presence or information on this page does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate by Spectrum.