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.”
Province Extends to Citizens the Right to Homegrown Cannabis
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On April 12, the Niverville Chamber of Commerce held their annual general meeting, awards, and dinner at the Heritage Centre. Chamber members celebrated the year’s achievements alongside several...
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Read moreRitchot Presents a Review of Budget 2024
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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...
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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
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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...
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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...
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