Historic Milestone: LGBTQ2S+ Minister Pascale St-Onge Prepares for Groundbreaking Parental Leave

Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge is on the verge of making history as the first openly lesbian cabinet minister in Canada to take parental leave. This landmark moment comes as her wife is expected to give birth in the upcoming weeks.

In an exclusive interview with The Canadian Press, St-Onge shared her decision to go public about her parental leave, emphasizing her commitment to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ2S+ rights. "I’m not someone who really likes to talk about myself or my personal life," she said, but feels a strong sense of duty to represent marginalized voices.

St-Onge expressed her excitement for the new chapter in her life, describing parenthood as "an incredible experience that many humans go through and that some take for granted." Her wife's pregnancy is progressing well, with a due date set for November. Interestingly, the timing coincides perfectly with the House of Commons' break for the holidays in mid-December.

Beginning in early November, St-Onge plans to work remotely from home while still engaging in her duties as a minister. She will participate in debates, vote, and attend cabinet meetings virtually, ensuring that her responsibilities do not falter during this important personal milestone. "After the birth, I'll definitely be reducing my public presence for a few weeks, but I'll still be voting until the House rises," she stated.

St-Onge chose to keep her wife's identity private to protect her from the hateful comments and emails she routinely receives. Alarmingly, she highlighted a rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ2S+ community in Canada over recent years, reinforcing her resolve to continue advocating for rights and representation.

As a former union leader, St-Onge, first elected in 2021, is dedicated to serving those who feel marginalized. She underscored how the Liberal Party has achieved significant advancements for LGBTQ2S+ rights since the 1969 decriminalization of homosexuality under former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. This pivotal moment was characterized by Trudeau’s famous assertion that "there's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation."

Moreover, St-Onge reminisced about the historic decision in 2005 to legalize same-sex marriage in Canada under Prime Minister Paul Martin’s Liberal government, highlighting its personal significance as she got married that very summer.

Under the current government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, additional strides have been made, including the banning of conversion therapy and the lifting of restrictions on blood donations from gay men. However, St-Onge criticized the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, for what she described as regressive views on social issues, including abortion.

In defense, a spokesperson for Poilievre dismissed St-Onge's accusations as desperate attempts to deflect attention from the government's failures, asserting that the Conservative leader promotes a vision of Canada where everyone, regardless of whom they love, is accepted.

Other notable LGBTQ2S+ politicians include Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, along with several MPs from different parties who bring diverse perspectives to the legislative table.

Pascale St-Onge's upcoming parental leave is not just a personal milestone; it symbolizes a significant step forward in representation for the LGBTQ2S+ community within Canadian politics. As she embarks on this journey into motherhood, her commitment to fighting for equality and respect for all remains unwavering.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this historic moment and its implications for LGBTQ2S+ rights in Canada!