Action4Canada - September 28, 2023


Lisa Robinson Stands up for Principles - Inclusivity, Privacy and Child Protection

Topics
universal change room policy
Hosted by
Tanya Gaw
Action4Canada Youth and Parent Sexuality Program Fall 2023 The Dangers of Education - Mikki Willis and Dr. Mark McDonald

Episode Stats


Length

4 minutes

Words per minute

134.52

Word count

552

Sentence count

28


Summary

Summaries generated with gmurro/bart-large-finetuned-filtered-spotify-podcast-summ .

In this episode, Councillor Lisa Robinson addresses the issue of a policy at Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre that requires minors under the age of 18 or those without membership to use a universal change room. She argues that this policy goes against the principles of inclusivity, privacy and child protection.

Transcript

Transcript generated with Whisper (turbo).
Topics generated with Qwen2.5-3B-Instruct.
Hosts, guests, and mentioned names generated with spaCy (en_core_web_sm), reconciled against Wikidata.
00:00:00.000 Today I want to address another important issue that my fellow members of council have brought
00:00:06.180 forward to the integrity commissioner regarding my alleged code of conduct because I was attempting
00:00:12.120 to bring forward a notice of motion that would allow all individuals the choice to feel safe
00:00:16.980 in vulnerable spaces at the Chestnut Hill Recreation Center. There is a policy in place
00:00:23.580 that forces individuals under the age of 18 or those without memberships to use a universal
00:00:28.740 change room. I firmly believe that this policy is not only unfair but also goes against the
00:00:34.620 principles of inclusivity, privacy and child protection. This sentiment is echoed by many.
00:00:41.580 First and foremost let us emphasize the importance of inclusivity. Our community center should be a
00:00:49.020 place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. By implementing a policy that segregates individuals
00:00:55.320 based on their age or membership status we are inadvertently creating a division among our
00:01:01.200 community members. Inclusivity means providing equal opportunities for all regardless of their
00:01:07.800 age or their membership status. It is essential that we promote an environment where everyone
00:01:13.640 feels valued and respected regardless of their circumstances. Moreover the issue of privacy cannot be
00:01:21.240 overlooked forcing individuals to use a universal change room can be a violation of the personal privacy.
00:01:29.400 Imagine being a young teenager already going through the challenges of adolescence and then being
00:01:35.400 required to change and or go to the bathroom in a communal space where your privacy is compromised.
00:01:42.920 It is crucial to recognize that privacy is a fundamental right that must be upheld especially for minors.
00:01:50.680 By doing so we not only respect their dignity but we also foster an environment that promotes their
00:01:57.160 emotional well-being. Privacy is also the utmost importance for women in these vulnerable spaces as it
00:02:04.760 ensures safety, dignity and personal comfort. Providing women with a secure and private environment in such spaces
00:02:13.160 enables them to feel protected, respected and empowered fostering a sense of inclusivity and quality.
00:02:22.280 Furthermore we must address the issue of child protection. The safety and security of our
00:02:27.720 children should always be a top priority. Requiring minors to use the universal change room puts them at a
00:02:35.080 higher risk of potential harm or inappropriate behavior. It is our duty as a community to ensure that our
00:02:42.520 children are protected both physically and emotionally. Implementing policies that compromise their safety is
00:02:50.120 simply unacceptable and goes against our shared values. In light of these concerns I urge Chestnut Hill Recreation
00:02:57.640 Centre to reconsider this policy. Let us work together to find a solution that promotes inclusivity,
00:03:03.800 respects privacy and ensures the safety of all community members, especially our young ones.
00:03:10.040 We need to ensure that everyone can comfortably and safely repair for all of their activities.
00:03:17.880 In conclusion, it is essential that we stand up for the principles of inclusivity,
00:03:22.520 privacy and child protection. The policy at Chestnut Hill Recreation Centre forcing individuals under the
00:03:29.080 age of 18 or those without memberships to use a universal change room is not in alignment with these
00:03:35.560 principles. Let us advocate for change and work towards creating a community centre that is truly inclusive,
00:03:42.280 respectful and safe for all. I'm Lisa Robinson, Pickering City Councillor and I'm truly grateful for
00:03:49.880 your time and attention. Thank you and God bless.