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Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Fourth annual Greater Napanee Pride celebrated with parade, festivities
'Look around,' Greater Napanee Pride Committee Chair Chris Beauchesne told the several hundred people gathered for Napanee's Pride Day 2025. 'This is what community looks like. This is what Pride looks like. This is what showing up looks like.' These upbeat words were greeted with cheers from the crowd. Smiles and rainbows brought cheer to the damp, chilly weather when Greater Napanee officially opened Pride month celebrations in the region. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the fourth annual Pride celebration began on the stage under the Conservation Park pavilion. The Greater Napanee Pride Committee and a handful of dignitaries opened the day by sharing remarks with an energetic audience. Chief Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte told the traditional Indigenous story of the strawberry. In Mohawk teachings, the strawberry —- ken\'niiohontésha, or 'heart berry' —- holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning, particularly as a woman's medicine. It is a sacred fruit associated with creation, community, and love. Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Member of Parliament (MP) for Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, presented Greater Napanee Pride with a certificate of recognition for their continued dedication. She celebrated Greater Napanee as 'a community where diversity is valued and everyone deserves to live authentically and safely... Discrimination has no place in our communities. Who you are and who you love should never be questioned.' Her provincial counterpart, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Ric Bresee, showed his support for the annual celebration from a wheelchair, indicating that he had had an accident about a month ago but is recovering 'quite nicely.' Bresee acknowledged that there are still many places in the world that 'are rolling back the progress that we've made over decades. There are places in the world that are punishing people for being their true selves, for being who they are. We've got to stand against that. Always.' 'Here's the thing: we need Pride now more than ever,' Beauchesne said. 'We are living in a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are being stripped away around the world. Books are being banned. Health care is being denied. Queer and trans people are being targeted just for existing. And we cannot be complacent because it isn't happening in Canada —- because it is. Trans rights were a campaign issue once again, just over a month ago. Hate exists right here in this community, as much as we would love to tell you it doesn't.' 'When we say we want Greater Napanee to be safe for everyone, we mean everyone —- and that includes trans people.' Vice Chair Tiffany Lloyd took up this theme, saying, 'Lately, we've heard a lot of public discourse that claims to be about women's safety. But let's be honest—if you only bring up women's safety when you're talking about who uses a Walmart bathroom, you're not protecting women. You're using women as an excuse to be transphobic.' 'If you really care about women's safety, let's start in the streets. Let's start in our own homes. Let's start in our workplaces… Women and gender-diverse people are most at risk where they live and work, not in public washrooms,' Lloyd continued. 'We will not stand by while fear is weaponized against some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Pride is first and foremost a protest, and that means standing with our trans neighbours, not just when it's easy, but especially when it's not.' 'Today isn't just about glitter and rainbows,' Beauchesne added, 'though we love both.' 'It's about visibility. It's about resistance. It's about making it absolutely, undeniably clear: Canada can not go backward. Napanee can not go backward. Do not become complacent because the work is done. Every flag you raise, every street you march, every voice you lift —- it all matters.' 'So, whether you're here for your first Pride or your 50th —- whether you're out, questioning, or just showing up as an ally —- thank you. You are part of something bigger today,' Beauchesne concluded. 'Let this parade be loud! Let it be proud! Let it be unapologetic! Because when we say we're building a world where everyone is safe, loved, and free, we mean everyone. Happy Pride! Now let's hit the streets and make it count!' With that, a parade along Napanee's picturesque waterfront trail began, with participants passing under a rainbow arch of balloons, then along the Napanee River, up past the Napanee Falls in Springside Park, and through downtown. Smiles, cheering, singing, and dancing accompanied the day's festivities, which included a market in the park, Drag Queen Story Time presented by the Napanee branch of the Lennox and Addington Library, free children's activities, and live music. The festivities were capped off with Pride in the Country, which featured local drag entertainers Rowena Whey, Tyffanie Morgan, Street Meat, and Oktavia, as well as Canada's Drag Race star Juice Boxx. More information about Greater Napanee Pride can be found on the group's website . As the first week of Pride Month got underway, the South East Health Unit issued messaging in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, explaining the role the Public Health Unit plays in health equity. 'Pride is both a celebration of the diverse sexualities, genders and gender expressions of individuals that make up our communities, and a movement to increase visibility and awareness of the inequities that impact 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The South East Health Unit (SEHU) has an important role to play in advocating for health equity,' the SEHU said. According to the Health Unit, gender identity and sexual orientation are determinants of health that can have a significant impact on the health outcomes of individuals and communities alike. The SEHU said that factors that contribute to health inequities include discrimination and stigmatization, which 'can be worse when other determinants of health' such as race/racism, income, or social status 'intersect with gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.' 'Stigma and discrimination can limit people's access to health care, education, jobs, housing, and social connections, affecting overall health and wellbeing. These challenges can be lessened through social support, understanding, and allyship. Allyship is a process of building trusting relationships through learning, listening, and supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,' the SEHU explained. The local Health Unit said that it aims to increase allyship in a number of ways, including providing inclusive services to gender diverse new parents, supporting individuals of all sexual orientations in its clinics, and 'so much more.' 'As an agency committed to helping our communities to be as healthy as they can be, it is important for the South East Health Unit to be leaders in voicing our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,' said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for SEHU, in a statement. 'Discrimination and stigmatization are damaging factors for both mental and physical health, and lead to harmful outcomes for individuals who face these realities. South East Health Unit staff strive to be supportive, inclusive and welcoming to all individuals who access our services.' The local Health Unit said that Public Health staff will participate in several Pride activities throughout the region to 'further demonstrate support,' and invited the community to learn more about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as they relate to health through its website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape Finance MEC ensures stability with R89. 3 billion budget despite national challenges
Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman delivers the 2025 Budget Speech in the Provincial Parliament. Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman re-tabled the province's R89.3 billion Appropriations Bill after the national government unexpectedly withdrew its budget, including the legally binding Division of Revenue Bill. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Baartman clarified that although the process had to be repeated for legal compliance, 'nothing in substance in the Western Cape Appropriations Bill has changed.' The 2025/26 Western Cape Budget still allocates a total of R269.5 billion over the next three years, with more than 80%, or R215.8 billion, dedicated to social services. This includes R101 billion for education, R100 billion for health, R6.4 billion for housing, and R8.4 billion for social protection.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape Finance Minister re-tables R89. 3 billion Appropriations Bill as national budget faces uncertain future
Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman delivers the 2025 Budget Speech in the Provincial Parliament. Image: Supplied Western Cape Finance Minister Deidré Baartman re-tabled the province's R89.3 billion Appropriations Bill after the national government unexpectedly withdrew its budget, including the legally binding Division of Revenue Bill. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Baartman clarified that although the process had to be repeated for legal compliance, 'nothing in substance in the Western Cape Appropriations Bill has changed.' The 2025/26 Western Cape Budget still allocates a total of R269.5 billion over the next three years, with more than 80%, or R215.8 billion, dedicated to social services. This includes R101 billion for education, R100 billion for health, R6.4 billion for housing, and R8.4 billion for social protection. In terms of strategic spending, the province is staying the course on its four apex priorities: R43.8 billion to 'Growth for Jobs,' R3.9 billion to safety, R194.9 billion to build an 'Educated, Healthy and Caring Society,' and R23.4 billion to innovation, culture, and governance. 'In light of this,' said Baartman, 'the doors of the Western Cape Government have, and will continue to, remain open.' Despite the chaos at a national level, Baartman assured residents that essential services would remain intact, crediting this stability to provincial fiscal discipline. 'Despite the uncertain fiscal environment, the Western Cape Government can assure this house that we have kept strict protocols in place on cash flow management in the province to ensure service delivery continues uninterrupted,' said Baartman. She also acknowledged the tireless work of officials during this turbulent period. '2025 has really seen us exercise our legal and procedural muscles within the uncertain fiscal space nationally, and I would like to thank the Provincial Treasury team as well as the Legal team in the Department of the Premier for their assistance and guidance throughout this process.' Looking ahead, Baartman expressed hope for a smoother national budget process next year. 'For certainty, fiscal stability and trust, it is my sincere hope that the national budget process for 2026 will flow more effortlessly.' IOL News
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ontario MPPs to receive 35 percent salary increase and reinstated pension plan
Ontario's Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are set to receive a significant salary increase and regain access to a pension plan, marking the end of a 16-year salary freeze. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy introduced legislation on May 29, 2025, proposing a 35 percent pay raise for MPPs, aligning their base salary with 75 percent of that of federal Members of Parliament (MPs). Salary adjustments Under the new legislation, the base salary for MPPs will increase from $116,550 to $157,350. Premier Doug Ford's salary will rise from approximately $208,974 to $282,129, while cabinet ministers will see their pay increase from about $165,851 to $223,909. The Leader of the Official Opposition will now be paid $244,207, up from $180,866. These changes are retroactive to the date of the 2025 Ontario election. Pension plan reinstatement The legislation also proposes the reinstatement of a pension plan for MPPs, which was abolished in 1995 by then-Premier Mike Harris. Under the new plan, MPPs will join the existing Ontario Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) and will be eligible for supplemental benefits after serving at least six years. This move aims to attract qualified individuals to serve in the provincial legislature. Live Events Legislative support The proposed changes have received support from all parties in the legislature. NDP representative John Vanthof emphasized the importance of offering competitive compensation to attract qualified candidates, stating, "When we're looking for other candidates, qualified people to actually direct the future of this province, for most of them, they have to take a huge pay cut to come here.' The legislation is expected to add $6 million in payroll costs in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, representing 0.06 percent of the total compensation awarded to Ontario's public servants.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Caroline Mulroney Honoured as Grand Marshal of Toronto's St. Patrick's Parade
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2025) - The St. Patrick's Parade Society of Toronto is pleased to announce Caroline Mulroney as this year's Honourary Grand Marshal. The Parade will kick off at noon on Sunday, March 16th at the corner of Bloor & St. George. Mulroney and other dignitaries will lead thousands of participants through downtown Toronto before crossing the finish line at Yonge & Dundas. Caroline Mulroney headshot - 2025 Grand Marshal of Toronto's St. Patrick's Parade To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Caroline was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe in 2018. The Harvard University graduate is a member of the Progressive Conservative Party and currently serves as the President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Minister of Francophone Affairs. Before entering politics, Caroline had a successful private sector career in business and law. She also ran a charity benefiting homeless and at-risk women. Caroline is the eldest child of Brian and Mila Mulroney. Her father often spoke of his Irish heritage during his time in office as the 18th Prime Minister of Canada. The PM hosted American President Ronald Reagan at The Shamrock Summit in 1985 where both leaders celebrated their Irish ancestry. Brian was an active member of Montreal's Irish community and served as the Grand Marshal of that city's St. Patrick's Parade in 1980. Cannot view this video? Visit: The St. Patrick's Parade is the biggest celebration of Irish culture in Toronto and among the largest in the world. Canadians of Irish heritage and Irish immigrants are well represented alongside thousands more who enthusiastically become 'Irish for the day'. The Parade takes place during March Break which makes it an ideal time for both tourists and Torontonians to enjoy the festivities. Spectators pack sidewalks to enjoy floats, marching bands and street performers. It is free to attend and offers an entertaining mix of Celtic culture that isn't available anywhere else. Being inclusive and helping those in need are part of the Parade's core values. Toronto's diversity is on full display with dozens of groups marching in support of their connections to Ireland and Canada. The Toronto Professional Firefighters Association will once again be collecting cash and canned goods on the Parade route in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank. Parade Weekend will feature a series of ancillary events in various locations around the city. Traditional music and dance will be showcased along with contemporary Irish performers like Hermitage Green and Mundy. For more information, please contact: Shaun RuddyChair of St Patrick's Parade Society of Torontoinfo@ 416-996-8790https:// To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
