Executive Council
Children, Seniors and Social Development
July 6, 2017

Provincial Government Recognizes Pride Week 2017

Today, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, once again joined members of St. John’s Pride and other community representatives at a flag-raising ceremony at the Confederation Building as part of the launch of Pride Week throughout the province.

While highlighting that more must be done to prevent discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community, Pride Week is also an opportunity to encourage acceptance and highlight important gains that have been made for LGBTQ individuals in our province.

This year’s Pride Week is celebrated from July 10 to 17. Various events are planned throughout the week including a meet and greet, bowling, bonfire night and beach party. The week concludes with the annual Pride Parade, beginning at St. John’s City Hall at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16, immediately followed by the Pride in the Park event at Bannerman Park where the parade ends. The Confederation Building will also be illuminated in Pride colours in recognition of Pride Week.

Quotes
“Pride Week is an opportunity to celebrate diversity in our province. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, people must be accepted for who they are and live free from violence or discrimination. Our government is committed to embracing diversity among all people, including the LGBTQ community, and we will make every effort to support equality and inclusion. We proudly raise the Pride Flag to show our strong support for members of the LGBTQ community everywhere.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I am proud of the Provincial Government’s continued work to eliminate and reduce all forms of discrimination and violence in our province, and to further advance inclusion and equality for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We all have a right to be respected and treated equally, and to be active participants in an inclusive society. Achieving full inclusion requires a new way of thinking. Let’s continue to put that thinking at the forefront of all we do right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“The board members of St. John’s Pride continue to strive for meaningful progress for all LGBTQ+ people. We are delighted to continue this work with the provincial government, and with support from the individuals within it. As we move forward, carving more inclusive and accessible spaces for diversity, we would like to thank our community, and our allies, for their enduring efforts for equality.”
Emma Martin
St. John’s Pride

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Learn More
St. John’s Pride - www.stjohnspride.ca/

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL external link, @CSSD_GovNL external link and @StJohnsPrideNL external link

Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Emma Martin
Acting Co-Chair, External
St. John's Pride
externalstjpride@gmail.com

2017 07 06                              2:15 p.m.