August 21, 2026
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It is an honour for me to be here with you at this gathering place, which is so precious to the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation and to the other nations it has welcomed to this territory for millennia.
Today, we are unveiling a monument of great significance to our country.
Thunderhead tells the compelling story of the 2SLGBTQI+ rights movement in Canada.
The image of the thundercloud is particularly evocative in capturing the harm caused by the LGBT Purge.
A storm cloud, dark like the suffering endured.
Heavy like the burden of injustice.
Rumbling like the strength of the survivors who refused to remain silent.
I warmly congratulate the monument’s design team on the ingenuity of their creation.
In my earlier work as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, I have been confronted with the stubborn resistance to the pursuit of equality. This was, and still is, in many parts of the world, particularly acute in the case of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Even the first step of denouncing the criminalization of homosexuality is still an ongoing battle in many parts of the world. This puts today’s event into context.
This monument testifies the determination of all the people who have had the courage to speak out against discrimination and injustice.
This summer, the entire international community is being called upon to show the same courage in the wake of the deadly attack that occurred during Pride celebrations in Berlin, Germany.
This hateful act reminds us that, even in progressive democracies like ours, the struggle is far from over.
Today, we acknowledge the injustices of a dark chapter in Canadian history.
We confront the painful reality of the past to be reminded of our own shortcomings. We acknowledge the harmful biases and prejudices that led us to treat some of our fellow citizens as less deserving of a proud and dignified life.
We pay tribute to the resilience of the survivors of the LGBT purge, who helped put an end to our governments’ discriminatory policies.
We also recognize, more broadly, the determination of the activists, artists, leaders and pioneers who have advanced the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people and who have brought their perspectives to light across the country.
From Toronto’s Reverend Brent Hawkes, who officiated one of the first same-sex marriages in Canada . . .
. . . to the activist art of Vancouver’s Joe Average, which brought a face to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
From “Rise Up!,” Lorraine Segato’s call for solidarity in the 1980s . . .
. . . to the inspiring voices of k.d. lang and Xavier Dolan.
Today, we encourage all members of our institutions and businesses to continue building workplaces where everyone can contribute with dignity, authenticity and safety.
I would also like to commend the ongoing efforts being made within the Canadian Armed Forces to recognize the full range of human diversity that makes up our troops.
This week, we are celebrating Pride Week in the federal public service.
The Pride flag has been flying at Rideau Hall all week in tribute to the 2SLGBTQI+ public servants who enrich our institutions.
I can’t help but draw a parallel between the Pride flag and Thunderhead.
After the sky has darkened, rainbows burst forth in all their beauty.
Together, we can celebrate the pride we feel in having overcome the darkness of our prejudices if we commit to advancing, every day, equality and respect for the rights we all cherish.
Thank you.