Public Service Pride Week
In the federal public service, we celebrate Pride!
August 19 – 23, 2024
Public Service Pride Week (PSPW) takes place annually, during the third week of August.
In light of the alarming increase in hate and discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, particularly targeting our transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse colleagues, celebrating Pride in the public service takes on an even greater significance.
During PSPW, employees come together to honour and to learn, to celebrate and to recognize the contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies in the public service.
The fifth edition of PSPW, which took place from August 21 to 25, 2023 had the theme "Taking action to build a more inclusive public service". PSPW acted as a platform for us to engage in meaningful conversations, assessing the strides that have been made while acknowledging the work that still lay ahead in establishing a public service where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Central to our discussions were crucial topics such as intersectionality and allyship, the recommended actions as outlined in the LGBT Purge report, inclusive washroom facilities in government buildings and name and gender marker changes in government systems.
Equally, in 2023, the Pride flag adorned more government buildings across Canada, as well as missions and embassies abroad, than ever before. This vibrant visual symbol not only conveyed Pride but also served as a powerful declaration to both Canadian citizens and global observers a resounding message: the Canadian public service is an inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Public Service Pride Week continues to extend its influence beyond the borders of the Canada and is celebrated in Canadian embassies and missions worldwide, embodying a truly international spirit.
Additionally, numerous provincial, territorial, and municipal governments across Canada have expressed enthusiasm to integrate Public Service Pride Week into their official events calendars, showcasing a growing momentum for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion at all levels of government.
If you’d like to learn how you can participate, please contact us.
Let's explore this exciting opportunity for collaboration and shared celebration of diversity and inclusion!