Pride week officially proclaimed in Gatineau

Pride Week was officially launched in Gatineau on August 15 with a public ceremony outside the Maison du Citoyen that brought together elected officials, community leaders, and advocates. The event concluded with the raising of the progressive Pride flag, a gesture described by many as both a celebration and a call to action.

Hull–Aylmer MP Greg Fergus set the tone in remarks before the event began, saying, “It’s always the time to celebrate. But this year, with what’s happening in the States and in other countries, we must be particularly mindful. We must keep expanding the rights we have, keep extending them to those who need them, and work to protect them.” During his speech, he urged participants to carry that message into the year ahead, working together to build an inclusive society where “everyone is free to be themselves.”

Speaking on behalf of the mayor, councillor Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, chair of the Commission du vivre-ensemble and co-chair of the Commission jeunesse, described the flag-raising as a tradition that affirms Gatineau’s values. “In our community there is no place for fear, exclusion, or hate,” she said, adding that each colour of the Pride flag tells stories of courage, struggle, and joy. She warned of troubling political trends that threaten fundamental rights and called on residents to defend them actively.

Isabelle Plante, deputy director of the Gatineau Police Service, said the rainbow flag’s presence at city hall was more than symbolic. “It is an opening to all who wish to speak out against homophobia and transphobia,” she noted, pledging her department’s continued role as an ally through victim-centred policing and partnerships with groups such as Jeunesse Idem and Trans Outaouais.

Catherine Lalonde, president of Trans Outaouais, delivered an impassioned speech about the challenges facing trans and non-binary people, pointing to recent laws and policies in Canada and abroad that threaten their safety. “Raising this flag is recognizing the real needs of our community and committing to fight transphobia in all its forms without compromise,” Lalonde declared.

Andréanne Provost Auger of BRAS Outaouais reminded the audience that Pride remains a demand for the right to exist fully and freely. Closing the speeches, Jeunesse Idem executive director Erik Bisson reflected on many years of community work, urging vigilance against growing intolerance. “We can’t take our progress for granted,” he said. “Pride began as a human rights march and that fight continues on.”

The launch also highlighted a week of activities featured in the official Pride Week programme. Events include an outdoor film screening at Parc Jacques-Cartier, drag storytelling for children at the bibliothèque Lucien-Lalonde, a panel discussion on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights at La Maison du Citoyen, an evening drag show at Le Troquet, and community picnics in several neighbourhood parks. The week will culminate with Gatineau’s participation in the Ottawa Pride Parade on August 24.