We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

As Mayor, I have been clear throughout my term - and prior to being elected - that queer and trans people belong in Waterloo and must be able to live, learn, work, play and access public services without fear of discrimination, harassment or violence.
I've been pleased to attend Spectrum's AGM and other events as time permitted and to make public statements in support of the LGBTQQIA2S community. When outside organizers where attempting to hold a 1 Million March 4 Children rallies, I issued a strong statement and video stating that these attitudes and positions are not welcome in Waterloo and Waterloo Region.
Following the June 2023 hate-motivated attack at the University of Waterloo, I stated unequivocally and publicly that people of all gender identities are welcome in our City facilities, programs, services, Council chambers and staff teams—and that hateful or discriminatory conduct is not acceptable.
Council and City staff have moved this commitment beyond statements.
The City’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan specifically commits us to proactively respond to identity-based discrimination, including homophobia, queerphobia and transphobia, and to provide inclusive, culturally responsive programs, services, policies, funding and communications for 2SLGBTQ+ residents.
We have also adopted the City’s first Get READI Plan—our framework for reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion—which directs City divisions to embed equity and belonging in planning, budgets, service delivery and decision-making. The plan was developed with community input, including from equity-denied residents, and is accompanied by implementation and accountability work.
There are tangible investments behind this work.
Council committed $303,000 to expand inclusive programming, increase youth supports and strengthen fee assistance so City programs are more accessible to residents with diverse needs.
Under my leadership, the City works with SPECTRUM and other community partners to deliver programming in City spaces, including Trans Swim and inclusive yoga, while advancing more inclusive facilities—including all-gender and barrier-free washrooms.
As always, there is more to do.
My priorities are to continue investing in Council and staff training, security and volunteers to respond appropriately to hate incidents; ensure residents can find clear reporting pathways and supports; make City spaces visibly welcoming and physically inclusive; and maintain ongoing, direct relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and residents.
Municipal leaders and municipal governments must not be neutral when people’s safety, dignity and equal access to public life are at stake.

Safety and support start with being seen and heard. The main theme I hear from residents is that they don't feel listened to at City Hall.
The City's READI plan commits to meaningful engagement and reporting progress publicly with clear measures. I would hold us to that by working with organizations like Spectrum to make sure 2SLGBTQIA+ residents are involved early and that progress reports show real results.
Support also has to show up in the places people use every day. Putting the plan into practice would include clear anti-harassment policies and staff training. Everyone should be able to enjoy a facility and participate in a program in a safe and welcoming environment.
Belonging also means economic opportunity. 2SLGBTQIA+-owned businesses are part of what makes Waterloo vibrant. Those businesses deserve a City that actively welcomes them and ensures equity in business and economic development support.
Finally, visible leadership matters. When hate or harassment targets our community, the Mayor should say so plainly and act on it.
Thank you, Spectrum, for the work that you do in our community.

Jim is commited to:
"be a voice for those who are often forgotten"
and,
"create an environment where all feel welcome and included"

I believe that all people are worthy of dignity, respect, and belonging. I support building and maintaining safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and gender-neutral washrooms throughout Waterloo Region. All people deserve to feel safe where they live and welcome to be in and or contribute to their community. In my second term of council, I will work with Spectrum, community partners, and allies which honour the rights and lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

As a Regional Councillor, I am committed to ensuring that 2SLGBTQIA+ residents feel safe, supported, and feel fully included in every part of community life. I will support stable funding and collaboration with local organizations that provide frontline support, advocacy, and community programming. These organizations understand the needs of the community and must be included in regional decision‑making. I support the Region’s “We All Belong Here” initiative and will advocate for more inclusive, safe spaces including housing programs that recognize unique barriers faced by queer and trans residents. I will advocate for wraparound supports that reduce risk and promote stability. I welcome collaboration with community partners to create stronger anti‑harassment and anti‑violence initiatives and inclusive community safety initiatives. I do and will continue to, support 2SLGBTQIA+ community events and initiatives.

A core part of my campaign is listening to residents and responding to their needs. I am committed to engaging with all community members to ensure their voices are heard and meaningfully included in decisions that affect them.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

In 2011, I stood before the Halton Catholic District School Board and asked trustees to overturn the ban on gay-straight alliances. I spoke about students who didn’t have support at home and needed somewhere at school to feel safe and accepted. As a trustee, I will bring that same commitment to the board’s policies, budget decisions and oversight.

I have a responsibility to help ensure every student feels welcome and safe. That means recognizing the specific challenges facing 2SLGBTQIA+ students and families, and listening to what they need. I will support practical training so staff can recognize and address homophobia and transphobia, support students respectfully, and respond consistently when someone asks for help. Students need a safe way to report harassment, clear follow-up, and access to mental health professionals who understand their experiences. I will also support policies that respect students’ names, pronouns and privacy.

Students and families should feel welcome to participate fully in school life, with opportunities to build friendships, pursue their interests and see themselves reflected in their school community.

Finally, I won’t assume that my experience in 2011 tells me everything I need to know in 2026. I will stay connected to 2SLGBTQIA+ students and families, listen to their experiences, and bring those concerns to the board table through policies that respond to what they need today.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

As a senior leader in the non-profit housing sector, I have experience in building systems that reflect a deep commitment to inclusion, including the 2SLGBTQIA+community. I also have a great deal of HR experience which fully informs me of my responsibilities as an employer – starting with creating a safe workplace for all. I will bring that knowledge with me to the WRDSB table.

My commitment: Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, respected, and like they belong at their school.

As a trustee, I would work to ensure that principle is reflected in board policies and in the lived experiences of staff, students, and families. I would listen to 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, students, and families and make sure their voices are included in our decision-making. I would support strong board policies that protect members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ school community from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. I would seek feedback to ensure those policies are being implemented consistently and effectively across our schools.

I would also advocate for the resources and training our staff need to create welcoming, inclusive classrooms. It is imperative that students can access trusted adults and appropriate supports when they need them.

Finally, I would ask important accountability questions at the board table: Are our policies working? Are students feeling safe and included? How do we know? How are we measuring? Are there gaps, and what are we doing about them?

If elected as a school board trustee, my responsibility is to ensure every student and family feels safe, respected, and supported in our schools. For 2SLGBTQIA+ students and families, that means creating learning environments where they are included, treated with dignity, and able to focus on their education without fear of discrimination or bullying. I will support clear policies, consistent communication, and evidence‑based practices that help staff respond effectively to student needs. I will also advocate for strong mental health supports, safe school environments, and open dialogue with families so concerns can be addressed transparently and respectfully.

At the same time, I believe the best way to help all students thrive is by keeping education at the center of everything we do. Students deserve a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, and I will work to ensure our schools meet or exceed provincial standards while getting back to the basics that help young people succeed. When students feel safe, valued, and supported academically, they are better able to learn, build confidence, and grow into resilient adults. My commitment as a trustee is to help ensure that every student, including 2SLGBTQIA+ students, has the tools and support they need to succeed.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

WRDSB schools and other locations (including buses) need to be safe for all students. I believe safety and well-being are critical issues for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is the responsibility of trustees to have policies in place that ensure all members of the WRDSB community are safe from harassment and discrimination. The Policy & Governance Standing Committee, of which I am a member, has documented the process for policy development which includes input from the local community, namely education partners like Spectrum. I have been a WRDSB trustee for 20+ years and during those years have always supported the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

I continue to fight systemic phobias (homophobia, biphobia and transphobia) using the WRDSB Human Rights Policy as my guide. As well, I seek out advice from staff and members of the EIAG Committee. As we know, it is important for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to see themselves represented in the books and lessons they access every day at school. When barriers to this access are revealed (via policy or delegations), I use motions at the Board table to take action to revise policies that create such barriers and work with the Chief Executive Officer, the senior team and staff to ensure implementation of the revised policies are carried out. I have always supported GSA clubs in the WRDSB and attend PRIDE flag-raising ceremonies whenever my schedule allows.

The first strategic direction in the WRDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan is keeping students at the centre. By keeping students first in my decision-making at the Board table, I can actively contribute to ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ students and families are included and can thrive during their time with the WRDSB.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.

We will update this space when we get a response from the candidate.