Edmonton, Alta. – The Alberta RCMP made history this afternoon by raising the rainbow coloured Pride flag for the first time ever at its “K” Division Headquarters to help kick off Pride Festival in Edmonton.
The rainbow flag, a symbol for the LGBTQ community, was raised at “K” Division headquarters in Edmonton. It will remain in place for ten days to coincide with Edmonton’s Pride Festival.
“Flying the Pride flag is the RCMP’s way of telling Canadians that we are proud of being a diverse organization and believe in treating all communities equally and with respect,” said Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan. “We want the LBGTQ community to know that there is a place for them within the RCMP if they are interested in applying.”
Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan is the National Chair of the RCMP’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans/Two-Spirited, National Advisory Committee (LGBTNAC) Committee. Deputy Commissioner Ryan has been the Alberta RCMP’s Commanding Officer since early 2014. There are approximately 4000 RCMP employees working across Alberta.
The RCMP will take part in tomorrow’s Pride Parade on Whyte Avenue. This will be the second time that the RCMP has taken part in the annual parade. The RCMP will also take part in Calgary’s Pride Parade this fall.
