Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada invite you to ‘Show your Pride’

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Lawrence A. MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today in celebration of all LGBTQ2+ communities and Pride Season, which runs June through August.

August 6, 2020 – Ottawa – National Defence / Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Lawrence A. MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today in celebration of all LGBTQ2+ communities and Pride Season, which runs June through August:

“Embracing inclusivity and diversity means a safe work space where everyone feels free to be their full selves. When barriers based on identity factors, such as sexual orientation or gender expression are removed, people feel safer and accepted. This in turn, promotes a work environment where all members know that they are respected and that their creativity and innovative thinking are seen as valuable contributions to the overall strength and successes of their teams.

“That is why initiatives that help achieve such an environment are so important: the Canadian Armed Forces Diversity Strategy; Civilian Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan; Defence Team Diversity Champions Network; and Positive Space initiative build vital networks within the organization. They promote an institution-wide culture of freedom and respect for our team members from LGBTQ2+ communities, ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness at all levels by drawing on all strengths of Canada’s diverse population. We work continuously with these groups and programs to keep improving the work space.

“The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans at VAC, announced in March 2020, has also been actively working to celebrate and acknowledge the important role LGBTQ2+ Veterans have played in our country’s military efforts over the years. While working directly with Veterans, they aim to address challenges and issues specific to LGBTQ2+ Veterans and families. “Each year, Pride Season is an occasion to further celebrate diversity and inclusion in the LGBTQ2+ community. This year, the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic means a shift in how we are celebrating, with many events moving to an online medium. We encourage participation from the Defence Team and Veterans in these virtual Pride activities taking place across the country, including the Show us your Pride photo collection campaign.

“Defence Team members and Veterans are asked to submit photos and messages or quotes that show how they are celebrating this year. This gallery of images will then be featured across our Defence Team and VAC communications platforms and social media accounts. And to show our support, we are including our own photos here.

“Together we are stronger; together we are better – Happy Pride 2020!”

For details on how to participate in the Show us Your Pride campaign visit Step up and show us your Pride.

We also look forward to Public Service Pride Week 2020, the week of August 24.

Associated Links

• Step up and show us your Pride
• The Office of Women and LGBTQ2 Veterans
• LGBTQ2 Secretariat
• GCconnex: Public Service Pride Week 2020
• Pride in the Public Service

Contacts

Floriane Bonneville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Floriane.bonneville@forces.gc.ca

John Embury
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
john.embury@canada.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@canada.ca