Steve Kent commits to office for LGBT issues
Former provincial minister promises dedicated office if elected next preimer
One of the three men in the running to become the next premier of Newfoundland and Labradorhas committed to creating a specific office for gay and transgender rights.
PC leadership candidate Steve Kent said hesupportsthe creation of a dedicated office to deal with issues specific to people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendercommunities.
As a motivator for the creation of the office, Kent, in an interview with the The 'Out'port, pointed to the problems some children are facing in school settings.
"Bullying for example, when children are being beaten at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, that's a problem," Kent said during the interview, posted online on Aug.29.
Kent also committed to discussing with other Canadian premiersabout what resources are being made available in other provinces, to aid transgenderindividuals seeking reassignment surgery
Kent said in addition to communicating and engaging with the community, the office would also work to promote other LGBT issues.
Kent is competing withPaul Davis and John Ottenheimerfor the PC leadership.
Delegates willvote at a convention in St. John'son Sept.13.