Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Thunder Pride on their 2013 community celebration that is taking place this weekend in Thunder Bay. Thunder Pride is the annual community celebration of diversity rights in northwestern Ontario and celebrates the history, courage, diversity and future of Thunder Bay's LBGTQ community.
Some great events are still to come this weekend, including the Pride Parade and Pride in the Park, a music festival taking place this Saturday. More information can be found on the web at thunderpride.ca. This event, along with the city of Thunder Bay's respect campaign, is a demonstration of the fact that a respectful community means that we see the value in different perspectives, histories and journeys.
I would like to thank and acknowledge the efforts of this year's co-chairs, Cynthia Olson and Scott Gale, who along with the countless number of volunteers and supporters, make this event such a great success each year.
In closing, I would like to wish Cynthia, Scott and the volunteers of Thunder Pride all the best for their great week of events.
I am sure I speak for all members of this place when I say that we are indeed proud to stand with them.