Throughout his working life — from community development in the cane fields of the Dominican Republic to helping newcomers move into Canadian life on PEI — Joe Byrne has championed respect for the dignity of every human being.
Joe has always been dedicated to supporting diverse communities. Again and again he has advocated for marginalized or vulnerable groups: the struggling under-employed, refugees and migrant workers, you name it.
There is a special commitment to 2SLGBTQI+ persons, for example, who so often face barriers to acceptance and needed services. “I have great respect for Joe,” says one person who is familiar with such experiences. “He is genuinely driven by compassion and integrity, and he has a proven record of working for a society that is inclusive and equitable.”
Why does Joe have what it takes to be an effective MP? Here’s the answer that person gave: “Joe is the kind of leader who listens and truly understands the concerns of under-represented communities,” he said. “I know him. This is a man who lives by empathy, collaboration, and getting to practical solutions. He’s exactly the kind of ally and advocate the 2SLGBTQI+ community deserves in Parliament.”
As Joe himself says, citing the NDP’s Statement on Equity: “As New Democrats we work to build a world where the rights, dignity and worth of every human being is respected and celebrated.”
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