There is no space for hate in Ontario.

As your ONA Provincial President and CEO, we are writing to express our strong solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and our firm stance against hate in all its forms.

As you may be aware, planned demonstrations this week, as well as recent comments by Premier Ford and Education Minister Lecce, foster inflammatory, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours against 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

ONA has always stood against hate and championed equity in our workplaces, our public services and our society. Our members, patients, residents and clients, and all Ontarians deserve to access public services safely and without discrimination based on their gender identity expression or any other factor protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Today we stand strong in our condemnation of transphobia, and all forms of discrimination and oppression. We are united with the broader labour movement, including the Ontario Federation of Labour, and we support the call for action to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and people.

We must all join together in fighting against the rising level of hate and discrimination targeting the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Hate has no place in our schools, in our health care or our society. There is no space for hate in Ontario.

In unwavering solidarity,

Erin Ariss, RN                    Andrea Kay, RN
President                           CEO