Vancouver's reputation as a tolerant and accepting city got a big boost Sunday, as roughly half a million people took to the streets for the annual Gay Pride Parade.
Politicians of all political stripes and levels of government helped make up the 163 parade entries, all of them boasting about what the pride parade says about the city.
"This is the best ever, it's super weather, we've got the greatest crowd. Thirty years of pride, it's wonderful," said Vancouver city councillor Kim Capri.
"It's great to see a community stand-up and say we're proud to be who we are and that's what this is about," added Federal Liberal MP Hedy Fry.
Also in attendance were Vancouver mayoral candidate Peter Ladner, and Federal New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton.
Not being a station to miss out on a party, CTV news had a float in the parade, with Pamela Martin and company taking part in the festivities.
As usual, Vancouver's Pride Parade had all the frivolities you'd come to expect. One of the main attractions this year was a little more on the conservative side as those sworn to serve and protect finally joined in the fun."
For the first time in Canada, the RCMP had an official entry, showing their pride along with everyone else.
"It's beautiful, it's great, we're having a great time. happy Pride Day Vancouver," one officer said.
The Mounties say they want to make sure they're respecting all the communities they serve and respecting all of the RCMP officers who are part of those communities.
Another first this year, was Sher Vancouver, a social group for gay Sikhs. It took part with a Bollywood-style float, a powerful statement in a culture where gays are often not welcome.
That was the overall theme of the day, a display of the tolerance and acceptance that makes Vancouver what it is and gives everyone a lot of pride to be part of.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart.
