Girl Guides of Canada end trips to US due to inclusivity concerns

Mar 14 2017, 5:26 am

The Girl Guides of Canada will not be taking any more trips to the US until further notice due to concerns over inclusivity.

“At Girl Guides of Canada, we know our members value the safe, inclusive and accepting space that Guiding provides,” International Commissioner Sharron Callahan and Director of Provincial Operations Holly Thompson wrote in a joint statement that was issued on Monday, March 13.

“These values are reflected in all we do, including the Girl Guide travel experiences we offer girls and women. While the United States is a frequent destination for Guiding trips, the ability of all our members to equally enter this country is currently uncertain.”

The statement notes that it was “a very difficult decision to make” but one that “reflects our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all girls and women.”

For the foreseeable future the Girl Guides of Canada will not be approving any travel to the United States, including both trips and any journey that requires a connecting flight through an American airport.

See also

The Trump factor

Though the statement does not directly reference US President Donald Trump, it has no doubt been influenced by his first months in office.

One of the President’s more controversial policies includes the decision to ban citizens of seven Muslim majority countries from entering the US.

The ban was halted by the courts, prompting Trump to issue a second executive order imposing a revised version of his travel ban, that will come into effect on March 16.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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