Pride flags flew across Canada on Friday in support of gay athletes. Offices from coast to coast made a political statement against the anti-gay stance taken by the Russian government.

The rainbow flags started flying early on Friday as a symbolic statement.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford caused controversy when he tried to have the rainbow flag that was raised at Toronto City Hall taken down. The Toronto flag will remain up throughout the games.

In Manitoba, there is a pride flag raised outside the Legislature Building, however, Winnipeg City Hall is not flying a pride flag.

A spokesperson told CTV News the city flies a rainbow flag outside city hall during Pride Week, but the city will not fly it during the Olympic Games.