Province, NSGEU March for Diversity at 2009 Pride Parade

The government of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union will be breaking down walls and building bridges on Saturday, July 25, when they march for diversity in Halifax's Pride Parade.

"It's important that we take part, to lead by example, and to march alongside our employees and the people of Nova Scotia in support of diversity and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex issues," said Rosalind Penfound, commissioner of the Public Service Commission. "Like last year, we're proud to share this moment in co-operation with the NSGEU."

Ms. Penfound will join Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union president Joan Jessome onboard a 1960s theme float. In keeping with the parade theme of Breaking Down Walls; Building Bridges, the float will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City that mark the beginning of the modern gay rights movement in North America.

"This is an historic opportunity to remember the heroic efforts of Harvey Milk and other leaders of the international LGBTI movement going back to the Stonewall riots," said NSGEU president Joan Jessome. "As Mr. Milk once said, 'Hope will never be silent', and neither should we be silent in breaking down walls and building bridges for LGBTI rights.

"We are pleased to once again join with the Public Service Commission in this Pride Parade. We will proudly march for diversity and inclusion with our members."

The Halifax Pride Parade will bring thousands of participants and spectators together from across Atlantic Canada.

The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Provo Marshall Drive, at the corner of Cornwallis and Upper Water Street near the HMCS Scotian. It will make its way down Barrington Street and up Spring Garden Road, ending at the Pride Festival site on the Garrison Grounds at the foot of Citadel Hill.

For more information on the 2008 Halifax Pride Parade visit the Halifax Pride website at www.halifaxpride.ca .