Executive Council
July 11, 2014
Celebrating Diversity within Our Communities
Provincial Government Hosts Flag-raising Ceremony to Mark Pride Week 2014
The Provincial Government is once again joining community groups in celebrating Pride Week in Newfoundland and Labrador from July 14 to 20.
“Our government remains committed to celebrating the diversity of all people in the province, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. We are pleased to be participating in Pride Week while marking another year of celebration within the LGBT community.”
-The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative.
The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative, will attend a flag-raising ceremony at Confederation Building on Monday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m., to officially launch the week’s festivities.
“We are pleased to have the continued support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Together we are working towards a diverse community of equality and acceptance, and we want to thank the Provincial Government and our other allies for their commitment to diversity.”
-Jamie Harnum, St. John’s Pride.
Other events happening during the week include a bonfire, youth bowling, and a comedy night, with the annual Pride Parade scheduled to get underway from St. John’s City Hall at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, July 20.
The Provincial Government has also taken measures to educate the K-12 school community around LGBT issues and to ensure all students feel safe and supported within their school environment, including the introduction of a teacher resource, MyGSA – or My Gay-Straight Alliance, in 2012. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only Canadian jurisdiction to make the MyGSA resource available to all schools that offer Grades 7-12, and the province has been recognized by Egale Canada and on the international stage for its pro-active approach to LGBT issues in schools. The MyGSA resource is also part of the ongoing work being undertaken through the new Safe and Caring Schools Policy, which was launched in December 2013.
Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Provincial Government remains committed to preventing violence against all vulnerable populations, including LGBT individuals, by working with community partners and departments and agencies to ensure all residents live in safe and caring communities.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is hosting a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m. to officially launch Pride Week 2014.
- For a complete listing of Pride Week events in St. John’s, please visit //www.stjohnspride.ca
or follow St. John’s Pride on twitter @StJohnsPrideNL . - Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.
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Media contacts:
| Sara Norris Program, Policy, and Communications Analyst Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225 saranorris@gov.nl.ca |
Jamie Harnum VP of Operations St. John's Pride 709-730-4495 media@stjohnspride.ca |
2014 07 11 1:15 p.m.