Steinbach’s second annual Pride parade was held on Saturday, July 15, with hundreds of people converging on the city. Organizers have said they were uncertain how big this year’s crowd would be after the huge numbers who came out last summer, but they described the turnout as amazing.
Although the overall numbers were down, Steinbach Pride co-chair Chris Plett says there were more locals in the march this year, which means that some progress has been made. He cautions, however, that there is still a lot of work to do on behalf of the LGBT community in southeast Manitoba.
Just like last year, despite the threat of protests and some homophobic comments online, the event went off without a hitch. RCMP calmly directed traffic as marchers walked down Main Street.
Some members of the predominantly Mennonite community have said that homosexuality is inconsistent with their Christian views.
“[LGBT] people are the Christian community,” said Michelle McHale, another of the event’s co-chairs. “Those things are not mutually exclusive. So to that I would say, that’s not fair.”
Despite receiving invitations and facing heat from the media, all local politicians were no-shows, including Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, MLA and Minister of Health Kelvin Goertzen, and MP Ted Falk. Although Kelvin Goertzen and Ted Falk have previously stated they wouldn’t attend the event regardless of invitations or scheduling conflicts, Mayor Chris Goertzen issued a statement in advance of the march.
“As community leaders we want to maintain and create a positive welcoming environment that makes people feel safe and accepted not just on one day but continuously as we fulfill our responsibilities throughout the entire year,” wrote Mayor Goertzen. “The acceptance includes those in the 2STLGBQ* community and it includes those who have differing viewpoints who also deserve respect and understanding.”
Ritchot Presents a Review of Budget 2024
Apr 24, 2024 | 9:01 am
On April 17, a public hearing was held to present the RM of Ritchot’s newly endorsed financial plan for 2024. Residents were invited to participate and present questions and concerns. No one...
Read moreOn April 17, a public hearing was held to present the RM of Ritchot’s newly endorsed financial plan for 2024. Residents were invited to participate and present questions and concerns. No one...
Read moreNiverville PCH Braces for Impending Worker Strike
Apr 22, 2024 | 6:18 pm
As early as Wednesday, April 24, unionized staff of the Niverville Heritage Life Personal Care Home (HLPCH) may be on strike. This news was recently relayed to family members and support people...
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Read moreRecognizing International Mother Earth Day through Education and Action
Apr 22, 2024 | 5:27 pm
April 22 is now recognized around the world as International Mother Earth Day (IMED) and this year marks the third anniversary of the United Nations (UN) designated observance. According to the...
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Read moreNiverville 2024 Budget Includes Tax Hike to Support Greater Spending
Apr 19, 2024 | 9:24 am
Niverville’s town council introduced their 2024 budget at a public meeting held on April 16. Residents can expect to see their property taxes go up this year. Council has determined that a 2.5...
Read moreNiverville’s town council introduced their 2024 budget at a public meeting held on April 16. Residents can expect to see their property taxes go up this year. Council has determined that a 2.5...
Read moreCrowd Fills Ritchot Council Chambers Over Livestock Expansion Proposal
Apr 18, 2024 | 7:26 pm
Ritchot’s council chambers were filled to capacity, with overflow into the foyer, at their public meeting held on April 17. The majority of the approximately 60 attendees were there to speak...
Read moreRitchot’s council chambers were filled to capacity, with overflow into the foyer, at their public meeting held on April 17. The majority of the approximately 60 attendees were there to speak...
Read moreProvince Offers Limited Rebate on Property Security Systems
Apr 17, 2024 | 4:17 pm
As part of the NDP’s pledge to help create safer communities, the spring provincial budget includes $500,000 to support homeowners and small businesses who wish to beef up their security. Set...
Read moreAs part of the NDP’s pledge to help create safer communities, the spring provincial budget includes $500,000 to support homeowners and small businesses who wish to beef up their security. Set...
Read moreProvidence College Hit Hard by New International Student Restrictions
Apr 16, 2024 | 4:17 pm
Earlier this year, on January 22, the federal government announced their intent to put a cap on the number of national study permits issued to students seeking to gain a postsecondary education in...
Read moreEarlier this year, on January 22, the federal government announced their intent to put a cap on the number of national study permits issued to students seeking to gain a postsecondary education in...
Read moreCanada Prepares for Potentially Record-Breaking Wildfire Year
Apr 15, 2024 | 6:04 pm
Across the nation, 2023 marked an unprecedented year for wildfires. Experts say it wasn’t the number of fires burning that made it historic, but rather the sizable nature of the fires. Thanks...
Read moreAcross the nation, 2023 marked an unprecedented year for wildfires. Experts say it wasn’t the number of fires burning that made it historic, but rather the sizable nature of the fires. Thanks...
Read moreShould our schools work harder to ensure that different learning styles are supported through the provision of multiple learning tracks as opposed to single track learning?
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