Pride flag raised in Halifax

Premier Iain Rankin, members of the Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network, and other government representatives attended the raising of the Pride flag today, June 28, at Province House in Halifax.

“Our government is committed to building a safe and caring province for all Nova Scotians, regardless of where they come from, how they pray, who they love or how they identify,” said Premier Rankin. “Raising the Pride flag at Province House represents our ongoing commitment and reminds us all of the work yet to be done.”

The flag raising is an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been accomplished over the last five decades since the Stonewall riots in New York City, which were seen as a watershed event that kick-started the fight for equal rights in the gay community.

During the summer, Pride events will be held in communities across the province.

"Today we celebrate the great work we’re doing to become a more welcoming public service,” said Public Service Commission Minister Ben Jessome. “We want to ensure everyone feels safe and valued when they come to work so they are comfortable contributing their best ideas. We’re stronger as a community and a province when we have a diverse and inclusive public service."

Quotes:

2SLGBTIQ+ people continue to face significant forms of oppression, including racism and transphobia, from outside and within our communities. Pride is a movement that believes that by acknowledging and addressing systemic barriers and embracing the many identities within our community, we can build something we can all be proud to be part of. – Ian Mullan, chair, Pride Nova Scotia Network

Meaningful action on diversity, inclusion and equity is a priority in our public service. – Andrea Anderson, Public Service commissioner

This year, we are raising the progress Pride flag with stripes that include the trans community and Black, Indigenous and people of colour, demonstrating that the 2SLGBTIQ+ community stands in solidarity to fight all forms of discrimination, harassment and violence. – Laura Lee Langley, Head of the Public Service and deputy champion, Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network

Quick Facts:

  • the Pride flag has been raised in Halifax since 2010 to reflect how important 2SLGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion are to the people of Nova Scotia
  • the provincial government’s Pride Nova Scotia Government Employee Network strives to create and maintain supportive and inclusive workplaces for government employees of diverse sexual orientations, sexes, gender identities and gender expressions