Manitoba RCMP's commanding officer to march in Steinbach Pride parade
CBC News | Posted: June 27, 2016 11:38 PM | Last Updated: June 28, 2016
'I will be there, my officers will be there,' says Commanding Officer Scott Kolody
Manitoba's top Mountie says he will personally march in Steinbach's inaugural pride march — an event that local politicians have refused to attend — and has asked his officers to make sure the event will be safe.
Scott Kolody, who was announced as "D" Division's new commanding officer on Monday, took to Twitter that afternoon to announce that he has contacted parade organizer Michelle McHale "and let her know that I will be marching right beside her on Saturday, July 9."
"I have also directed the Manitoba RCMP to provide all required resources to ensure participants can walk in Steinbach knowing they are safe, secure and have the RCMP by their side," Kolody wrote.
"I will be there, my officers will be there and I know this will be a great event for all."
RCMP have previously said they will be taking part in the parade, but it's the first time the force's commanding officer in Manitoba has spoken on the issue.
Last week, RCMP said they would be "reassessing" a decision not to issue a parade permit to the Steinbach march. At the time, they said the permit was "initially declined for safety reasons."
Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, local MLA Kelvin Goertzen and Conservative MP Ted Falk have come under fire after they said they will not attend the Steinbach Pride event.
The City of Steinbach is not endorsing the parade, although a statement from Steinbach councillors said the LGBT community is welcome in the city.