Saskatoon’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ ‘sanctuary city’ declaration ‘feels like a lie’: Advocate

Saskatoon has become the first city in Canada to declare itself a 2SLGBTQQIA+ “sanctuary city.”

According to a city report, the declaration, which passed unanimously at the March 26 city council meeting, came as a result of a communication from advocate Blake Tait after the 1 Million March 4 Children came to Saskatoon in 2023, and from a motion put forward by Coun. Jasmin Parker.

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In the report, the administration explores what the meaning of the declaration would entail.

“It is unknown what it means to be a 2SLGBTQQAI+ sanctuary city in Canada at this time. It could be argued that such a declaration would be purely symbolic in nature, but as there is limited information available in this area, the long-term implications are unknown at this time,” it read.

Cindy Yelland, city solicitor, said the term “sanctuary city” was typically associated with immigration safety and security and no other city in Canada had defined itself as a 2SLGBTQQIA+ sanctuary city.

Several presentations from members of the community opposed to the motion, including one from Tait, suggested Saskatoon was neither safe, nor a sanctuary for many.

“To be frank, ‘safe’ feels like a lie because it is,” he told councillors.

“Gender non-conforming people are not safe here, and to claim we are is nothing short of irresponsible.”

Presenter Eli Hartman echoed those sentiments. They told councillors they’d seen and felt the effects of anti-queer sentiment more times than they could count and also opposed the motion.

“I believe we have far more work to do before that can be achieved on a level worthy of an official designation,” they said.

However, Tasnim Jaisee, chair of the city’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, spoke in favour of the designation.

“Ongoing conversations like these are how we can all help make Saskatoon a safe city for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.”

“This motion must be just the beginning. This work can not end here, and it certainly has to be more than words,” she said.

Coun. Parker agreed, adding that the declaration was essentially a starting point for additional work the city could continue.

“Just having this conversation shows how unheard members of the community feel. And I think that commitments like this are important when you have a marginalized community that isn’t feeling heard and doesn’t feel safe.”

Parker said the declaration was akin to a policy statement that could result in a more detailed future city strategic plan.

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