My office was honoured to represent me at BGC Thompson's Pride BBQ this June — an afternoon of food, community, and celebration hosted in partnership with Pride 55, The Link/StreetReach North, and Vale Manitoba Operations.
I want to take a moment to recognise what BGC Thompson is, because the organisation deserves to be seen clearly. Their vision is to see all children and youth discover and achieve their dreams — and grow up to be healthy, successful, active participants in society. The majority of young people accessing BGC's programming come from high-need families across Thompson and surrounding communities. BGC creates the safe, structured environment those young people need — a place where minds and bodies can maintain health and happiness, where community pride is built, and where no young person is left behind.
Pride Month is an extension of that same mission. A safe and structured environment only works if every young person who walks through the door feels they belong there — regardless of who they love, how they identify, or what they carry with them.
My representative brought remarks on my behalf, honouring both BGC Thompson's vision and the spirit of Pride — because in Thompson, these are not separate causes. They are the same cause: a city that takes care of its young people, fully and without condition.
To BGC Thompson, Pride 55, The Link/StreetReach North, and Vale Manitoba Operations — thank you for showing Thompson what inclusion looks like in practice, not just in language.