Pride flag flies at McDougall Centre
Posted August 26, 2019 11:57 am.
Last Updated August 27, 2019 6:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY(660 NEWS) – The Pride flag is once again flying in front of Calgary’s McDougall Centre.
Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, Leela Aheer took part in the ceremony Monday morning. She was joined by Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan, Minister Rebecca Schulz and Government Whip & MLA Mike Ellis along with several advocates of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Speaking before the ceremony, Aheer touched on the importance of having the flag.
“Raising the Pride flag is a symbol of our government’s commitment to build safe communities where LGBTQ2S+ people can live and love free from prejudice,” she said.
The ceremony comes weeks after Calgary Pride voted to ban all political parties from marching in this year’s parade citing an abundance of applicants.
READ MORE: Calgary Pride offers compromise after banning political parties from parade
Some politicians including Liberal leader David Khan will still march in the parade, joining other groups already participating.
Last year, the UCP was the only party not invited to march.
Aheer said her role as a government minister is to continue to build relationships.
“We’ve met with the Pride committee. We’re working towards building relationships with them. Making sure our doors are wide open to have those discussions. It’s a go-forward thing.”
Aheer also spoke on the recent vandalism at the Pride and Trans crosswalks on Stephen Avenue, saying defacing symbols like that affects the entire community.
