Municipal leaders want registry for dangerous dogs

B.C. municipalities want to be more inclusive of the transgender population, by using more gender-neutral language when conducting business.

Delegates at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention agreed to a proposal Thursday by Maple Ridge council to lobby the provincial government to require gender-neutral language across local governments, saying it is “professionally accurate and respectful” and would be more inclusive of the entire community.

The resolution noted the federal and provincial governments have already enacted policy to use gender-neutral language.

“We need to make sure our language is not causing harm and is accurate,” said Victoria Coun. Jeremy Loveday, who also urged members to ask the province to adopt explicit protection for transgender rights.

While the motion was passed, not everybody fully supported it. Colin Palmer, a director with the Powell River Regional District, raised concerns that political correctness could destroy the language, noting there had previously been aldermen and chairmen and manhole covers, but “somehow the word ‘man' is a terrible experience.”

Esquimalt Coun. Susan Low said while she supports gender neutrality, she doesn't believe it should be enshrined in policy or have the province “telling me what kind of language I use in my policies.” She noted local government should have the autonomy to choose what language it wants, saying it could prefer more progressive language later on and find itself hamstrung by these regulations.

“This sets a poor precedent,” she said. “We shouldn't have the province tell us to do it, we should just do it.”

However, Stephen White, a director with the Regional District of Central Kootenay, said he was surprised this was even coming up for debate. “This is not humorous,” he said. “I don't think it should be a choice left to local government.”