Canada’s best union wraps up historic World Pride Week at largest Pride Parade ever held in North America

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Toronto – June 30, 2014 – Marking the pinnacle of more than nine days of celebrations, UFCW members from across Canada and the United States united with hundreds of thousands of marchers on the streets of Toronto for the largest global Pride Parade ever held in North America.

As Canada’s most progressive union, UFCW Canada played a leading role at the Pride Parade, where Local Union members, activists, and leaders loudly displayed their Pride by marching and celebrating with LGBTQ brothers and sisters from around the world.

UFCW Canada's elaborate and colourful World Pride float took centre stage at the event, with rainbow-coloured dancers, balloons, banners, and flags that drew huge cheers from Parade watchers. The UFCW Pride Parade contingent also garnered national media coverage.

Under the common banner of love and solidarity, Parade goers spoke passionately about why they are proud of UFCW Canada's efforts to stand up for LGBTQ rights by ensuring that all workplaces are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ workers.

The Parade capped off a ten-day Pride extravaganza in Toronto – the first North American city to host a World Pride festival – in which UFCW members played a significant role. From the World Pride Human Rights Conference, to the Celebrate Our UFCW Pride arts showcase, UFCW members participated in countless Pride activities to demonstrate that our union supports the continual advancement of LGBTQ rights and equality.

"I am so proud of our great union for taking a leading role in this year’s Pride Parade, and for displaying a tremendous show of solidarity throughout the entire World Pride festival," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "Now is the time to celebrate our victories in the struggle for LGBTQ rights, and to strengthen our bonds of friendship with the LGBTQ community so that true equality becomes a reality for everyone," Brother Meinema adds.