(Ottawa) MPs and senators gathered Monday morning in front of the Center Block to raise the Pride flag on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke at the event, condemning what he called a “rise in hatred” against LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans youth.
He said that when he first participated in Pride parades in 2016, people questioned whether it was appropriate for the Prime Minister to take part.
But this year, Mr. Trudeau argued, it is important to recognize that Pride is both a celebration and a protest.
Senator René Cormier, co-chair of the Pride caucus, noted that many countries around the world still criminalize homosexuality.
Mr. Cormier believes it is time for Canada to appoint an envoy responsible for advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world.