Hello everyone.

And happy Public Service Pride Week!

This week, we’re celebrating you – LGBTQ2 public servants – and the community you’ve built together.

Since 2019, the activities for this week have been organized by a network of public servants who are committed to making the public service a diverse, safe, respectful, and healthy workplace for everyone.

And they do it because it’s important.

Diversity is important.

Pride is important.

And the ability to be your authentic self is important.

As the largest single employer in Canada, the public service sets an example of what inclusivity means in the workplace.

That’s what this year’s theme, “being your authentic self at work,” is all about.

My friends, if more of us feel comfortable and safe in our workplaces,

if our colleagues can express themselves openly and can be who they are,

and if we make our offices and virtual meetings more welcoming spaces - everyone benefits. 

So, whether you’re taking part in the Public Service Pride Awards, joining panels and discussions, or challenging yourself to build a better community: Thank you.

We all have a role to play this week, and throughout the year, to support each other and to leave our offices better than we found them.

I hope you enjoy all the celebrations this year.

And once again, happy Pride.