Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

• Date: July 6, 2008
• Where: A Channel Bldg on Broad Street, in downtown Victoria.
• Who: All GLBT PSAC Members, Families and Friends.
• Why: To celebrate Victoria Pride, PSAC Pride & to let the public know that we are proud to be federal public services employees; To also raise awareness that we deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully by our Departmental Employers & the Treasury Board.

We will be having a PSAC Union table on the festival grounds at Fisherman’s Wharf Park following the parade. We are looking for volunteers for the union table and to hand out information regarding PSAC initiatives to support our members, communities as well as our world’s communities.

Please feel free to contact Paul Jones, GLBT Member Coordinator, PSAC Regional Council @ pablojones@shaw.ca or at 250.813.0565. See you there! Visit victoriapridesociety.org for lead-up events.

posted on behalf of Paul Jones, GLBT Coordinator on the BC Regional Council

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am writing to you today to introduce myself as the newly elected LGBT Regional Coordinator for the BC Regional Council of the PSAC. I am a member of my local executive, UNDE 21010 and a member of two employment equity groups, LGBT and PWD. I am truly honoured that I will be representing you over the next 3 years. I am excited and committed to furthering our issues, promoting equality in both our union and in the public and providing a strong voice for you at the Council.

There are a number of initiatives that I believe are worth your participation. For example: “Multi-Union Pride” (August 3, 2008) in Vancouver - Multi-Union Pride is constructing a float and all Mainland members are encouraged to assist in any way they may be able. The Victoria Pride Day parade and festival (July 6, 2008) - I will be looking at a walking contingent and information table at the festival with the hopes of broadening community awareness surrounding the good work we do in our communities and abroad and the support we give our LGBT members throughout Canada. We do have a minimal budget to work with regarding these initiatives but we can also utilize some of these funds to affiliate with local organizations on the mainland, inland and on the island to participate in community events.

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Thanks to Steve Houston & Amy Painter, BC Regional Council, for sending in some photos taken at the Vancouver Pride Parade. The theme for the Vancouver Pride Parade this year was “Love and Joy” Multi-union Pride presented and promoted “Peace and Love” as the theme of their float.

Click for the photos!

Greetings Everyone!

Vancouver Multi-union Pride evolved from the BC PSAC LGBT Support Group a number of years ago. Sister Diana Smith (National Component) successfully promoted the concept of a Multi-union Pride Committee that would represent the face of labour in the Vancouver Pride Society Parade and Festival.

We have grown in leaps and bounds over the years. We continue to be the largest single group in the Vancouver Pride Parade. We have won a trophy for “Best Political/Union Float” and are extremely well received by thunderous applause as we march past spectators along the parade route.

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The PSAC, along with our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers invite you to celebrate the various “Pride” events happening in cities and communities across Canada in June or August.

“Pride Week” marks 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 caused by policy and by government officials. A strong, diverse community of “Pride” has evolved since the riots and the PSAC is proud to be part of the continuing struggle.

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