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Manitoba RCMP's commanding officer to march in Steinbach Pride parade

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.

'I will be there, my officers will be there,' says Commanding Officer Scott Kolody

CBC News ·

Manitoba RCMP Commanding Officer Scott Kolody talks about participating in the Steinbach Pride Parade

8 years ago
Duration 0:57
Manitoba's top Mountie says he will personally march in Steinbach's inaugural pride march —and has asked his officers to make sure the event will be safe.

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.
Manitoba RCMP Commanding Officer Scott Kolody announced via Twitter on Monday that he will take part in the inaugural pride parade in Steinbach, Man., in July. (CBC)

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.

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