Justin Trudeau 1st sitting PM to march in Montreal Pride parade

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,Premier Philippe Couillardand MontrealMayor Denis Coderrewere among thousands taking part in Montreal's annual Pride parade this afternoon.

Trudeauis the first sitting prime minister to take part in the city's Pride celebration, according to organizers.

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Speaking before the parade, Trudeau acknowledged his fellow politicians, saying it is important that a wide range of political parties are represented.

Representatives from the federal Conservatives, the Liberal Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party, the Bloc Qubcois, as well as provincial and municipal politicianswere all in attendance.

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Trudeau said the show of solidarity is importantnow that the world is increasingly looking to Canada to set an example.

"We're going to continue to work hard and push the limits of what other countries are doing because we have to get the message across that LGBT rights are human rights that have to be respected," he said.

Trudeau also marched in the Vancouverand Toronto Pride parades earlier this year.

Coderre also spoke ahead of the festivities, saying it's important to send the message that we can be different but equal.

"We understand this parade is a celebration, but it's also about continual vigilance,"Coderresaid."There are still rights that need to be acquired."

Moment of silence to honour Orlando victims

The participants made their way down Ren-Lvesque Boulevard in downtown Montreal, starting atGuy Street and ending atSanguinetStreet.

Amoment of silence was held in honour of thosewho have died from AIDS-related illnessand homophobia. It wasalsodedicated to the memory of the 49 peoplewho died at the PULSE nightclub in Orlando inJune.

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The parade's grand marshals were:

• Filmmaker and writerSridhar Rangayan.
• Olie Pullen, a transgender Quebec teenager.
• LGBTQimmigrant advocateHector Gomez.
• Inuk activistMona Belleau.
• Actress and producer Raven-Symon.

The guests of honour wereVincent and Bruno Boileau-Autin, the first homosexual couple to be married in France.

Montreal police Cmdr.Simon Durocher told Radio-Canada that while the force doesn't want to create a climate of fear, police presence was increased during the festivities, given recent events in Orlando, Fla. and Nice, France.

Even though Sunday is the final day of Pridefestivities, the parade isn't the lastevent. For more information on the program, check out Pride'swebsite.

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