Pride June 2023, DND assigns Canada Pride Citation

National Defence, National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces — The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) paid tribute to the LGBT Purge survivors by hosting Canada Pride Citation ceremonies across Canada.

In April, the DND and the 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.

“Survivors of the LGBT Purge and our families have pursued justice for a long time. The ceremonies for the Canada Pride Citations have been important and helpful in our healing journeys,” said Michelle Douglas, LGBT Purge Fund Executive Director and Purge survivor. “We will wear our citations with pride as we move forward.”

A total of 19 ceremonies were held in 12 cities across the country. The first ceremony was held in Ottawa on April 3; the final ceremony was held in Quebec City on May 18. To receive the Canada Pride Citation, an individual must be a class member as defined in the Ross, Roy, Satalic Class Action Final Settlement Agreement, also known as the LGBT Purge Class Action.

The Canada Pride Citation certificate of award is signed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the Clerk of the Privy Council. 

“Although we can never undo the pain caused by the LGBT Purge, the Canada Pride Citation is an opportunity to recognize the harm experienced by current and former Canadian Armed Forces members,” said General (Gen) Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff. “You have paved the way for a new generation, and in doing so, you have exemplified service to your country.”

Efforts were made to contact everyone who requested an in-person presentation ceremony. 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. If anyone feels they were missed, they are encouraged to contact the Department of National Defence.

“It remains our solemn duty to ensure your experiences, and the history of the LGBT Purge, will be remembered by all, and it’s of the utmost importance that we promote healing and reconciliation where we can.,” Gen Eyre said.

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.