Human Rights

PSAC Pride Statement 2005

Celebrate PRIDE!

Pride events in June, July and August across Canada mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots which occurred in New York City in June of 1969.  The Riots were the turning point in the increased resistance to oppression and harassment of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons.  A strong, diverse community of "Pride" has evolved since the riots and the PSAC is proud to be part of the continuing struggle.

Since Stonewall, a number of gains, especially on the legal front, have been made including the inclusion of sexual orientation into the Canadian Human Rights Act in 1996 and several amendments to legislation giving same-sex couples the same benefits and obligations as common-law couples.  All but one – marriage.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada continues to strongly support the extension of access to marriage to same-sex couples. Across Canada, PSAC negotiators are becoming increasingly successful at ensuring that all negotiated benefits are available to same-sex couples. The PSAC also provides office space and other support to the Canadians for Equal Marriage coalition in Ottawa.

Our Union has a long history of opposing all forms of discrimination be they in the workplace or in society as a whole.  We are proud of our leadership role in advancing GLBT rights. The adoption of PSAC Policy 31 on Sexual Orientation in 1994 made us one of the first unions to recognize the links between the struggle for workers’ rights and GLBT rights.  No-discrimination and harassment clauses and policies, benefits extended to same-sex partners, leave provisions such as birth, adoption or bereavement and the equivalent of marriage leave are included in our collective agreements. The first ever fully-funded PSAC Pride Conference was held in November 2003, in Montreal, providing GLBT members with a safe space to strategize, strengthen solidarity, and become activists and leaders in our union.

Clearly there are still many challenges for our Union – from the struggle for social and political equality of GLBT persons, to the implementation of measures which make our union more inclusive.  In the spirit of Stonewall, we must defend the hard-won rights of GLBT people and continue to work towards dignity and equality for all.

Pride Dates across Canada

Calgary, AB:  throughout the month of June

Moncton, NB: throughout June

Winnipeg, MB: June 2 – 12

Saskatoon, SK: June 11-18

Edmonton, AB:  June 17-26

Toronto, ON: June 26

PEI: July 11

Halifax, NS: July 18-24

Vancouver, BC: July 23-31

Cape Breton, NS:  July 24

Montreal, QC: July 25-31

Ottawa, ON: August 28