Local 401 shows its Pride in Edmonton

UFCW Canada Local 401 recently made a stand for equality and LGBT rights by joining hundreds of participants at the 2011 Edmonton Pride Parade.

“The Edmonton Pride Parade is an important event and as Alberta’s leading local union we are proud to be a part of it,” says Local 401 President Douglas O’Halloran. “It’s important for us as trade unionists and UFCW Canada members to be here with our gay, lesbian and transsexual brothers and sisters because this event is about supporting human rights and the diversity of workers, and as Canada’s largest private-sector union, that’s a big part of what we’re all about.”

Edmonton’s first Pride celebration took place in 1980, and has grown from a small celebration of 75 people who enjoyed a baseball game followed by a campfire. Events added in the past 29 years have included rallies and fairs, poetry readings, art shows, picnics, croquet tournaments, baseball games, a film festival, the parade and Celebration on the Square.

Today, the Edmonton Pride Festival is one of the country’s largest Pride celebrations with numerous events offered throughout the month of June.

For more about the Edmonton Pride Festival, visit www.edmontonpride.ca.