Ottawa Pride 2016 - article and photos from NCPR, James Morgan, Canton New York USA

Photography below courtesy of NCPR... at this link:  Ottawa’s Capital Pride parade « All In

James Morgan writes:

"Capital Pride—Ottawa’s week-long LGBTQ celebration wrapped up this past weekend with the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday afternoon.  It was a colorful procession focused on acceptance, inclusion, and diversity.  The parade route followed Kent, Laurier, and Bank Streets through the neighborhood that has become known as the LGBTQ Village in recent years.  The often heavy rain didn’t dampen the mood at all, with hundreds participating and thousands watching.  Parade watchers I talked with had a real sense of importance as the common reason for going to the Pride parade.  “It’s important to support everybody, especially with what’s been happening in the world,” said Crystal, referring to the tragic mass shooting in Orlando on June 12 that killed 49 people at an LGBTQ nightclub.  Ben said his reason for going to the parade was because “It’s important to show support for our community.”  I had never been to an event like this before.  I didn’t really know what to expect just based on years of seeing coverage in the commercial media or hearing often polarizing opinions. I’ll let these photos tell the tale."

"There’s no escaping politics in Ottawa. All of Canada’s major political parties took part in the Pride parade. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walked in Pride parades in other cities this summer, but could not make it to Ottawa’s. This is the Conservative “LGBTory” contingent. Behind the banner, second from left is Lisa MacLeod, an Ottawa member of the Ontario legislature. Third from left is federal Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier. Photo by James Morgan"