Government Raises Pride Flag in Halifax

A symbol of Pride is waving over Province House in Halifax today, June 28.

As part of Pride Month celebrations, Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson, on behalf of Public Service Commission Minister Colton LeBlanc, and Kevin Barrett, Co-Chair of the Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network, raised the Pride flag in support of people who identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning or intersex.

“Raising the Pride flag at Province House symbolizes our province’s work towards an equitable, inclusive society free of homophobia and discrimination,” said Minister Thompson. “The flag is a beautiful symbol of diversity and the lasting impacts of the fight for equal rights.”

The public service also has an action plan to improve diversity and inclusion.

Quotes:

“The climate for members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community is being challenged around the world, as demonstrated with the recent burning of pride flags, homophobic vandalism occurring in our rural communities, and the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI+ protests across Canada. The work of the Pride network to create supportive and safe workplaces for provincial public service employees is even more meaningful.”

– Kevin Barrett, Co-Chair, Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network

“Nova Scotia has pride in its public service. Meaningful action on diversity and equity creates a more inclusive public service. Genuine inclusion means all public service employees feel safe and valued when they come to work, so they are comfortable giving their best to the people of Nova Scotia.”

– Laura Lee Langley, Head of the Public Service and deputy minister champion, Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network

Quick Facts:

• the Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network has raised the Pride flag since 2010 to support 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Nova Scotia
• the network was established in 2009 to create supportive work environments for all employees, including those who identify themselves as allies and want to help put an end to discrimination

Additional Resources:

All Together – An Action Plan for Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service 2019 – 2024: https://beta.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-1540/action-plan-diversity-and-inclusion-public-service-2019-2024-all-together-en.pdf