PRIDE FLAG RAISED AT MUNICIPALITY OF CLARE TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
Little Brook, NS – May 15, 2019: The Municipality of Clare, in partnership with la Société acadienne de Clare, held a pride flag raising ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada as well as to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The Municipality of Clare is among 50 municipalities across Canada taking part in this awareness-raising initiative, which is led by the national project Standing By Our Colours / Affichons nos couleurs. The event served to shed light on the issues faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community over the years, the successes and the progress made until now, as well as a perspective on the present and the future.
“We raise the pride flag to celebrate the diversity of our community and to affirm the importance of friendship and respect for all our neighbours, notably those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” noted Ronnie LeBlanc, Warden for the Municipality of Clare. “Our municipality stands for the freedom of all residents, regardless of their origin, race, religion or sexual orientation.”
Natalie Robichaud, Executive Director of la Société acadienne de Clare, reflected on the common experiences of both communities. “In Nova Scotia, francophones are a minority that are sometimes marginalized. Members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are too often marginalized. There is a natural solidarity between both communities. As minorities, it’s important for us to support each other. After all diversity and inclusion are tools to make us stronger.”
An estimated 75 people attended the flag-raising ceremony at the municipal office, including members of the student group Arc-Ensemble from École Secondaire de Clare. Students Evelyn LeBlanc-Joyce and Tristan MacAlpine spoke at the event.
“I am hoping people driving by the Municipality will see the flag and think of how far we have come,” observed MacAlpine.
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Settled in 1768 and incorporated in 1879, the Municipality of Clare is located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia with approximately 8,000 residents. The Municipality of Clare is the only municipality in the province that conducts business and offers services in both official languages, French and English.
La Société acadienne de Clare brings together individuals, organizations, associations and businesses committed to the prosperity of Acadians and Francophones of the Baie Sainte-Marie region of Nova Scotia. The Society is a member of la Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE).
Media Contact / Interviews:
Ronnie LeBlanc
Warden
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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www.clarenovascotia.ca
Natalie Robichaud
Executive Director
La Société acadienne de Clare
902-769-0955
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This week, the Municipality of Clare is among 50 municipalities across Canada to raise the pride flag to honour 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada as to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17.
Left to right: Deputy Warden Nil Doucet, Councillor Carl Deveau, invited speaker Tristan MacAlpine, invited speaker Evelyn LeBlanc-Joyce, Executive Director of la Société acadienne de Clare Natalie Robichaud, Warden Ronnie LeBlanc, Councillor Eric Pothier, Councillor Hector Thibault, Councillor Brian Comeau
Tristan MacAlpine and Evelyn LeBlanc-Joyce, two students from École Secondaire de Clare, share a few words.
Natalie Robichaud, Executive Director of la Société acadienne de Clare, reads a moving message from journalist and author Simon Thibault, a native of Clare.
Singer-songwriter Vickie Porter sings a poignant song that she had written for the event.
An estimated 75 people attended the flag-raising ceremony at the municipal office. These participants held signs reflecting the words sung by singer-songwriter Vickie Porter.