Defence chief hopes to show solidarity, spark recruitment with Pride march
OTTAWA — Gen. Jonathan Vance wants to send a message of solidarity — and spark a rush for the military’s recruiting centres — this weekend by becoming the first chief of defence staff to march in a Pride parade.
Canada’s top general will lead a contingent that includes many of the military’s most senior leadership through the streets of Ottawa during the city’s annual Capital Pride Parade on Sunday.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Vance said he wants to show members of the LGBTQ community already serving in the uniform that he and the rest of the top brass support them.
But the defence chief is also hoping his participation will spur other members of the community to think about a possible career in the Armed Forces by demonstrating its openness to all.