Prince Albert area MLAs banned from Pride month activities

Bleau also noted frustration with attempts to communicate with the government and MLAs.

“I find a lot of the communication we get back is just explaining what the bill is and not necessarily addressing our concerns, specially regarding the very hostile environment that has been created in the province,” they said.

All sitting Prince Albert region MLAs blocked a ‘do no harm’ amendment that would prevent the outing of Two-Spirit and Trans students when doing so would knowingly put them in harm’s way. Since then, the Province has appealed a court ruling that would have allowed a judge to review the legislation and let 2SLGBTQIA+ people know whether our rights are being breached.

“Pride organizations are first and foremost human rights organizations and to accept anybody that would use the notwithstanding clause to hurt and harm children flies directly in the face of that” Prince Albert Pride Advocacy Committee member Troy Parenteau said.

“We are very serious about protecting Charter and Indigenous rights to gender expression. We will not accept any Sask. Party MLA or Saskatchewan United Party MLA at our Prince Albert Pride events unless they publicly denounce Bill 137 and say publicly and live that they would work towards repealing it.”

The announced ban will include MLA Alana Ross (Prince Albert-Northcote), MLA Joe Hargrave (Prince Albert-Carlton), MLA Nadine Wilson (Saskatchewan Rivers), and Premier Scott Moe (Rosthern-Shellbrook).

According to Monday night’s media release, Prince Albert Pride has previously called on regional MLAs to condemn transphobia in all its forms, including Bill 137 and its efforts to intervene in the family lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ young people.

“None of our regional MLAs followed this request,” the statement said.

“If you can’t be bothered to stand up for our rights when you’re literally voting for them, then you are part of the problem,” said Bleau. “Celebrating pride is especially important this year when our own provincial government is fueling transphobia and putting a target on our backs for political gain. We thank Queen City Pride and all provincial Pride organizations for the work they do in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We will continue advocating for your rights, together.”

Another rally in Prince Albert, outside MLA Alana Ross’s office, attracted over a 100 supporters. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Pride Month will start June 1 with Pride in the Park Celebrations and continue with activities throughout the month.

Response from the Education Minister

Saskatchewan’s education minister said it’s disappointing that he and his government colleagues have been barred from several Pride parades in the province, but hasn’t changed his mind on his government’s school pronoun policy.

Jeremy Cockrill, who spearheaded the push on the legislation last fall, said it was a disappointing move by the organization to ban the government from its parade.

“It’s too bad,” Cockrill said on Monday afternoon. “When we have large, provincial events, it’s something we hope that everybody’s able to attend.”

The minister said he still thinks the law was a positive change and a step forward for the province, saying the goal is to include parents in important decisions.

“I understand, for many, it was a challenging topic,” Cockrill said. “I feel quite comfortable with the fact that we’ve legislated the ability for parents to be involved in important conversations and decisions in a child’s life. I’m comfortable with where we landed on that.”

While Cockrill hasn’t attended a Pride parade and didn’t know what month they’re held, other government MLAs have attended parades in Regina and other cities. Premier Scott Moe drove in the Pride Parade in Saskatoon in 2019 but hasn’t since.

When asked if he considers himself an ally of the queer community, Cockrill said he believes he’s an ally of all his constituents.

“I know in my community I strive to represent everybody, so I’m hoping that if I’ve got 20,000 constituents that I’m an ally to 20,000 constituents. Those are the people that I have the honour of representing, and certainly, I try to do that job each and every day,” he said.

The minister added that the province’s motto on its coat of arms is “from many peoples strength,” which he said the government takes quite seriously.

Noting how Cockrill has made himself available for meetings at his office in North Battleford, Bleau who cited concerns with travel costs and availability, said she hoped he would also consider coming to Prince Albert.

“We would very much welcome that. We would love to talk to him and maybe help open a conversation to promote education with him,” they said.

paNOW also reached out to local area MLAs for comment.

“I have regularly participated in Pride Month events, both before and since being elected in 2020 and while I am disappointed by the decision I wish the participants and organizers a great event,” Alana Ross said.

“I respect the decision made by Prince Albert Pride and wish everyone a successful event,” Joe Hargrave said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

— with files from CKOM Staff

by paNOW Staff

Prince Albert area MLAs banned from Pride month activities

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