Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht has sided with constituents of his riding who believe the pride flag should not have been flown on the same mast as the Canadian flag at Waterloo Region District School Board schools.

The MP issued a statement to the Independent on Friday, stating that he has heard from many constituents who are “deeply concerned about the flying of the rainbow flag” at schools. He said in the statement those constituents are concerned that this action is causing division rather than accomplishing the stated intent of promoting inclusion.

“In my role as member of parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, I will be sure that their voices are heard,” wrote Albrecht. “I have shared these concerns with the chair of WRDSB and am hopeful that corrective action will be taken when trustees discuss this issue at the start of the 2017-2018 school year.”

To mixed reactions, WRDSB flew pride flags, which resemble a rainbow, at all schools during the month of June, Pride Month.

In Baden, shortly after it was erected, the pride flag at Waterloo-Oxford Secondary School was torn down and stolen. It was quickly replaced.

In his statement, Albrecht said it boils down to proper flag protocol.

“Many of these flags are being flown on the same mast as our Canadian flag. This is a troubling practice as it diminishes the dignity and the honour of our flag. Flying two flags on the same mast also goes directly against proper flag protocol.”

The statement continues to say: “Flag protocol is important, especially to our veterans who have stood for the freedoms which the Canadian flag represents … The rights and freedoms which all Canadians enjoy are represented by the Canadian flag and are backed up by our laws, our constitution and our charter. Every Canadian is represented by our red and white maple leaf flag.”

Cait Glasson, a board member at Spectrum, a LGBTQ/Rainbow community space, said the organization obviously supports the flying of the pride flag at schools to demonstrate that schools are welcoming places.

"The scattered incidents of vandalism have only underlined the need for this gesture," she said.