Student Union Releases Executive Statement Admonishing Statements Made by Brad Trost, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Humboldt)

As the new fall term at the University of Saskatchewan begins, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Executive is encouraging students to voice their opinions about comments made recently by Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, regarding Pride Toronto.

In a public statement made this July reprimanding Tourism Minister Diane Ablonczy, MP Trost asserted that Pride parade activities were “polarizing” and are “events that are more political than touristic in nature.”

In response to Mr. Trost’s comments, the USSU Executive today released this statement:

“As strong supporters of the Pride Parade in Saskatoon and firm believers in the necessity to educate the public about Pride issues, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union is dismayed over the unfounded assertions made by MP Trost.  As such, the USSU demands an apology from the Member of Parliament to the Canadian people.

The Executive strongly supports the organization of Pride parades. Events such as the Pride Parade allow the community to discuss openly and hopefully resolve issues that divide our nation. They also encourage open, thoughtful and respectful dialogue on issues facing students and society as a whole.

 The USSU would like to encourage returning students to voice their concerns over comments made by phoning, writing or emailing MP Trost to voice their support for Pride Week events across the country.”

Warren Kirkland, USSU President, said the Executive decided to release the statement today to coincide with the return of students to fall classes.

“The USSU Executive is working for the benefit of students and on behalf of issues that affect the student population,” said Kirkland. “We thought it appropriate that this issue be raised and a statement provided now that students are back so that they might be able to assert their viewpoints to elected representatives.”

According to USSU President Warren Kirkland, Pride parades such as those in Toronto and Saskatoon, serve as beacons to the community enabling education and support for the entire population.

“Unfortunately there is still a lot of discrimination in our world.,” said Kirkland.  “We hope to see continued government support for Pride Week events, including Pride Parades.”

“Education about and empowerment for members of society who are often discriminated against is something students at the U of S will always stand for,” said Kirkland.