In the previous episode of Vriend Versus Alberta we learned how the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms laid the groundwork for 2SLGBTQI+ activists to begin pressing for progressive reform in Alberta.  All that was needed was a cause to rally behind; an injustice that could be used to launch a challenge to the exclusion of sexual orientation from Alberta’s human rights legislation. That injustice would take place on January 28th, 1991 when a laboratory coordinator employed at The King’s College would be fired for being gay. This man was Delwin Vriend. Welcome to episode 2 of […]

Vriend Versus Alberta is a special podcast series detailing the ground-breaking Supreme Court ruling that helped pave the way for equality for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community.  On January 28, 1991, Delwin Vriend was fired from his job as a laboratory coordinator at The King’s College in Edmonton, Alta. because he was gay. Delwin’s only recourse was to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. However, in 1991 sexual orientation was not included as a protected ground against discrimination in Alberta’s human rights legislation. It was perfectly legal for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community to be refused service at restaurants, […]

April 2, 2023 is the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on Vriend v. Alberta. This historic decision paved the way for equality for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community. Vriend Versus Alberta is a special podcast series produced by Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Queer History Project. Written and directed by Darrin Hagen, this project has been 18 months in the making.  The story is told using more than a dozen in-depth interviews with key figures who participated in securing equality for sexual and gender minorities in Canada.  This includes interviews with Delwin Vriend; his legal counsel Sheila […]

On this episode we’re joined by Tareq Hadhad, Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate. Born in Damascus, Tareq shares his journey from a Lebanese refugee camp to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. His journey from the Middle East to Canada and its resulting culture shock are the tip of an inspiring iceberg that showcase the compassion and support of Canadians, Nova Scotians and the people of Antigonish. Tareq will present the keynote address at Edmonton Community Foundation’s Annual luncheon on June 20th. Links: Read Jennifer Cockrall’s profile “Son of a Baron”. Read Tom Ndekezi’s feature “New Zone. Who’s This?” Watch the […]