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Calling her an ally of the queer community, organizers of Calgary’s Pride parade say Premier Rachel Notley will be a participant in this year’s march.

But absent from the annual event will be PC leadership hopeful Jason Kenney, whose touring schedule was already full, said his campaign.

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Those staging the Sept. 4 event have said they’ll be vetting politicians for their commitment to LGBTQ rights before allowing them to take part in this year’s parade.

But Notley’s easily recognizable as a champion of sexual orientation equality, said Calgary Pride spokesman Craig Sklenar.

“Our elected officials play a key role in advancing that mission and expanding the rights of all citizens,” he said.

“Premier Notley has been a longtime ally of the queer community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that she is going to be able to display that support publicly through her attendance at the parade.”

It’ll be Notley’s second appearance as Alberta premier in the downtown parade, one she called symbolically vital in promoting equality.