'An important symbol': 17 Wing celebrates Pride; raises Progress Pride Flag
The 17 Wing Winnipeg held a Pride opening ceremony on Friday, which included the raising of the Progress Pride Flag.
The event, which took place at 17 Wing Parade Square, also involved the unveiling of the rainbow crosswalk.
The rainbow crosswalk. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
“Maybe for some of you, it’s simply another ceremony on the Parade Square with yet another flag-raising event,” David Grenon, the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization co-chair, while speaking at the ceremony.
“But for many of us, it’s an important symbol. It’s a symbol of acceptance and inclusion of diversity within our own organizations.”
Lt. Gen. Alexander Donald Meinzinger said he was proud to be at Friday’s ceremony to show the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) support of its LGBTQ2S+ members.
He noted the rainbow crosswalk is a sign of respect for inclusion.
“Diversity, including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, is a strength that is essential to our military’s operational effectiveness and long-term success,” Meinzinger said.
The unveiling of the rainbow crosswalk. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
Meinzinger added that the RCAF is committed to making sure that everyone feels like they are a part of the team and have the opportunity to succeed in an environment where they can be their authentic selves.
Col. David Proteau, Wing Commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg, said he is committed to fostering a workplace that is open, inclusive, diverse and respectful.
“Our success as a military depends on our capacity to effectively work together, to respectfully acknowledge and celebrate our uniqueness, and to welcome growth, change and innovative ideas,” he said.
Barry Karlenzig, president of Pride Winnipeg, said on behalf of his organization and the Winnipeg community, he wants to thank those who help to protect people’s rights and freedoms.
- With files from CTV’s Scott Andersson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.