UFCW Canada activists Louder and Prouder than ever at Toronto Pride Week!

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A large group of UFCW Canada activists came out on July 1 to the Toronto Pride Parade to support human rights and inclusiveness, and join thousands at one of the city’s largest annual public celebrations.

A natural fit for this year’s parade theme of Celebrate & Demonstrate, the large group of UFCW Canada activists from Locals 175 & 633, 1000A and the National Office set a new standard for union Pride with a strong parade presence that included a cavalcade of music, floats, and activists.  Decked out in UFCW gold, the activists flew special UFCW Canada pride flags, and drew cheers from the massive crowd that packed the parade route through downtown Toronto.

In addition to being louder and prouder than ever in the parade, UFCW Canada Local 1000A and National Office activists were a strong presence throughout the weekend taking turns volunteering at the union’s community action booth located in the heart of the bustling Pride Street Fair.

“We are very proud to be marching with our Sisters and Brothers at Pride Toronto Parade,” said UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley, who led the union in the parade. “Eliminating homophobia, bullying, and transphobia and creating a more inclusive society starts with making a stand, and it’s our pleasure to be here marching with our LGBTQ Sisters and Brothers,” added Brother Hanley, who is also a proud member of the Human Rights Trust Honorary Advisory Board for Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (Egale Canada). Egale Canada is a UFCW Canada National Partner and the two leading social justice organizations recently signed a Mutual Support Agreement. 

The parade is just one part of a weeklong festival in Canada’s largest city dedicated to celebrating the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies communities.

“Our Brothers and Sisters in the LGBTQ community need to know they are not alone, that their union will be with them every step of the way to fight for a world free of prejudice and discrimination,” said UFCW Canada Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer, while marching in one of the city’s largest parades of the year.

Altogether, this year’s Pride Week drew over one million participants from across the country and around the world.

“As the members of Canada’s largest private sector union it’s really important for us as activists to make the most of Pride and its events, which allow us to celebrate diversity and equality.” says Teresa Magee, the Secretary-Treasurer and Community Action Network (CAN) Chairperson for UFCW Canada Local 175.

To find out more about the Toronto Pride Parade and Pride Week, visit www.pridetoronto.com