In April, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) began holding regional ceremonies to present the Canada Pride Citation to eligible current and former military members, as defined in the Ross, Roy, Satalic Class Action Final Settlement Agreement, also known as the LGBT Purge Class Action.
A total of 19 ceremonies were held in 12 cities across the country. The first ceremony was held in Ottawa on April 3, 2023; the final ceremony was held in Quebec City on May 18, 2023. Those who requested to receive their Canada Pride Citation in person received an insignia, a lapel pin, and a certificate of award signed by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Due to delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a Canada Pride Citation certificate was mailed in 2020 to each eligible recipient, including those who requested to attend an in-person ceremony, to ensure they could receive their insignia, lapel pin, and citation as soon as possible.
The Canada Pride Citation is one way the Government of Canada has taken action to address the historical injustices experienced by LGBT military members, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and federal public servants. It represents an individual reconciliation and recognition measure, as well as a meaningful step in Canada's journey of collective understanding and remembrance.
