EDMONTON – It’s being called a first in Canada; a rainbow-coloured Pride flag was raised at the Canadian Forces Base in Edmonton Friday, during a ceremony attended by senior officers and civilian members of the LGBT community.

“We represent Canada and Canada is an incredibly and wonderfully diverse country. So we have to reflect Canadians. Canadians have to see themselves in us,” said Lt.-Col. J.C. Reiffenstein at the ceremony.

“Symbols matter,” he added. “Symbols matter and we understand that in the army.”

“The flag that we raise this morning is a symbol of our support for the LGBT community as we celebrate Pride Week. Canadian Forces members are a cross section of our society, including the LGBT community, and they are integral and valuable parts of our community.”

The crowd responded to Reiffenstein’s address with cheers and loud applause.

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The flag-raising came about after Master Warrant Officer John McDougall asked his supervisors at CFB Edmonton whether it would be a possibility to mark the city’s Pride Week.

“Three weeks ago, I asked my RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) a simple request: ‘do you think it’s possible for us to raise the Pride flag at CFB Edmonton?’ I expected ‘no, the timeline’s going to be too short,’ or perhaps ‘the appetite wasn’t quite there.’

“I could not have been more surprised, more impressed, and more pleased. The support, the willingness to share information, and the welcoming environment that has led to this has been unbelievable,” said McDougall.

A number of speakers spoke about the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the country and military.

“It’s vital,” stressed Reiffenstein, “that we promote Canadian values of inclusivity, tolerance, and that’s what this Pride flag is all about…demonstrating our commitment to our people.”

“We want to be as operationally effective as we can be, and if you’ve got a whole bunch of people drawn from the same sort of cookie cutter formula, you are – I’m not psychologist – but I’d suggest you’re not necessarily going to have the best decision making process,” Reiffenstein told Global News after the ceremony.

“It helps to have diversity when you’re assessing challenges and decisions.”

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Former Edmonton City Councillor and long-time supporter of the LGBT community, Michael Phair, attended the ceremony.

“It’s a real first for the country and I’m absolutely delighted it’s here at CFB in Edmonton. That’s where it should be.”

“The flag looks really good flying here,” he added with a smile. “So I’m really pleased, and it is a sign of how things have changed in Canada.”

During his speech, McDougall shared his perspective on how things have evolved over his 23-year career in the military.

“Twenty-three years ago when I joined the military, I wouldn’t dare whisper that I was gay. I wouldn’t whisper that I knew anybody who was gay,” he shared.

“Now, to be able to have the blessing and the support of the Co. of CFB Edmonton to raise this flag makes my chest swell.”

“I think the level of tolerance and acceptance and inclusiveness has certainly changed,” he explained. “There’s never been a direct line that you could say ‘when we crossed this line it became okay.’”

“I’m not doing this to ask people to come out of the closet. I don’t want to force anyone to do anything they don’t want to do,” McDougall added. “What I hope this will do, is if they choose to come out of the closet, that they will know that the military is an inclusive, welcoming, respectful employer of choice. They don’t need to hide who they are.”

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At the end of his address, McDougall invited his partner of 18 years, David, to join him at the podium.

“This,” he said, gesturing to David, “has been the foundation for my house of success and my house of professional development.”

“I’ve been gone nine of the 18 years that we’ve been together. I could not do what I do… without the support of this man and the military community.”

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