Happy Public Service Pride Week 2025

August 18, 2025 - Defence Stories

Colleagues,

From August 18 to 22, we are proud to mark Public Service Pride Week 2025, a time to recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants and to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable federal public service.

This year’s theme—“Together, We Create Change”—highlights the collective power of individuals and teams in advancing equity and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. It reminds us that meaningful, lasting progress happens when we work together—with intention and care—across roles, identities and departments.

Inclusion doesn’t happen on its own. It takes reflection, action and allyship. As public servants, we all share the responsibility to foster workplaces where people feel safe, empowered and valued for who they are. That means listening to lived experiences, understanding intersectionality, challenging barriers and celebrating the rich diversity that strengthens our institutions and the service we provide to Canadians.

This year’s Public Service Pride Week was created in much the same way. Departments, agencies, and Crown corporations from across the country have come together to organize a wide range of in-person and virtual activities—from panel discussions and film screenings to local Pride celebrations. It’s a powerful testament to what “Together, We Create Change” is all about, and we encourage all public servants to participate and share the joy of Pride.

We also invite you to revisit the Open Letter to Deputy Ministers (PDF, 220 KB), and the 2024 Public Service Pride Network update (PDF, 254 KB), which outline practical actions public servants at every level can take to help build more respectful and inclusive workplaces.

Public Service Pride Week is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action. Let’s continue learning from one another, challenging the status quo and building a public service where all people, including those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, can thrive.

Thank you to the Public Service Pride Network for advancing these priorities, and thank you all for your continued leadership, courage and commitment to positive change.

We invite you to explore the full list of events and take part in this year’s in-person and virtual celebrations. Your participation matters. Together, we can help shape a more inclusive public service.

Sincerely,

Michael Sabia (he/him)

Nathalie G. Drouin, Ad. E. (she/her)

Christiane Fox (she/her)