Pride flag flying on Parliament Hill
Posted June 1, 2016 1:30 pm.
Last Updated June 1, 2016 3:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made history this afternoon when he raised the Pride flag on Parliament Hill.
The flag raising marks the start of Pride month. This is a big moment for Treasury Board President Scott Brison.
“Because it’s the first time the Pride Flag has been raised on Parliament Hill.”
Brison, who in 2004 became the first openly gay cabinet minister, says he feels very proud to be a Canadian.
He points out in his lifetime homosexuality was decriminalized, gay marriage was legalized, trans rights will soon be enshrined in the charter, and now the Pride flag will fly on the hill.
“This is very exciting and I feel very fortunate to have been able to live during such a period of remarkable social progress.”
Prime Minister Trudeau will also be the first prime minister to march in a Pride Parade when he attends the Toronto festivities on July 3rd.
The previous government never raised the Pride flag, but interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose says it’s a positive step.
She points out her party is renewing their policy and have recently scrapped their policy that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.
“If people commit to one another, whether they are a gay couple or a straight couple, then I think that’s wonderful.”
