As the conservatives look for a new leader after losing the federal election, the Member of Parliament for our area thinks that new leader needs to be more tolerant of LGBTQ rights than the previous one.

Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod was on the NL Morning News and was asked if marching in a pride parade was necessary for the new leader, something previous boss Andrew Sheer refused to do. “It is imperative that the leader support the LGB rights of Canadians, absolutely. I mean I’ve marched in a number of pride parades and the one in Kamloops I love, it’s a beautiful celebration.”

McLeod says she loves the Kamloops Pride Parade because of it’s inclusive, family oriented nature. “I’ve been in other pride parades where I’m less comfortable in terms of some of the political things that are happening and some of the, you know, some of the sexuality that is, you know, uncomfortable for some people in terms of what’s happening at the parade.”

“I’ve been in great parades, I’ve been in some where I’m not so sure you’d want to take your children so some of these parades but I think the bottom line is that people have to be confident that the new leader supports Canadian rights regardless and is willing to move ahead and is willing to support the community, absolutely.”

The Conservatives elect their new leader June 27th, the day before Toronto’s pride parade, the largest in Canada.