Message from the Interim Clerk for Public Service Pride Week 

August 25, 2021 - Defence Stories

Happy Public Service Pride Week!

This week, we come together to celebrate and recognize the diversity, resilience, spirit, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit colleagues from coast to coast to coast who have fought for freedom and equality.

We are also marking 50 years of LGBTQ2+ rights activism in Canada this year. Sparked by the We Demand rally in August 1971 – the first large-scale protest for equal rights in Ottawa, with a similar protest held in solidarity in Vancouver – the movement’s ensuing activism led to decades of positive changes. Within the public service, the reversal of and reparations for discriminatory policies and practices under the LGBT Purge were reflections of, and driven by, these same positive changes.

Despite the progress that has been made over the years, more can – and must – be done. This week, we encourage everyone to reflect on LGBTQ2+ equality. In so doing, please remember the struggles of the past, the challenges of the present, and the actions that each of us can take to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion across the public service.

We also encourage you to participate in the many virtual celebrations that are planned this week by visiting www.publicservicepride.ca. This includes showing your pride on social media using #PSPW2021 and tuning in to watch the first-ever Public Service Pride Awards.

We must remain steadfast in our resolve to build a truly diverse, safe and inclusive public service for everyone as we come together to celebrate this week.

Happy Pride!

Janice Charette
Interim Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet