Province, NSGEU Show Colours at Pride 2008

The government of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) will show their colours and support at Halifax's 2008 Pride Week on Saturday, July 26, where they will partner on their first pride parade float.

"The pride parade is a celebration of tolerance, valuing diversity, and bringing our communities closer together," said Rosalind Penfound, commissioner of the Public Service Commission. "The province, as an employer that values diversity, is excited to be a part of and support this year's parade. It is also with great pleasure that we can share this moment in co-operation with the NSGEU."

Ms. Penfound will join NSGEU president Joan Jessome in the parade onboard a 1950s theme float. This year, the NSGEU is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

"The pride parade is always an important event for the NSGEU and this year is very special for us. Our union is celebrating 50 years of working toward goals like workplaces free of discrimination," said Ms. Jessome. "I'm proud that we stand side by side with the province on a joint float united in our commitment to respect diversity and equality."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Halifax Pride Parade. It will include more than 7,000 participants and more than 35,000 spectators from across Atlantic Canada.

The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Provo Marshall Drive, at the corner of Cornwallis and Upper Water Street, near the HMCS Scotian. It will make its way down Barrington Street and up Spring Garden Road, ending at the Pride Festival site on the Garrison Grounds at the foot of Citadel Hill.

For more information on the 2008 Halifax Pride Parade visit the Halifax Pride website at www.halifaxpride.ca .