Joe Clark to Speak at Egale Gala

Gay Rights Group Also Honouring Departing Executive Director at Annual Fundraising Event on Parliament Hill

Ottawa - PC Party leader Joe Clark, who was the Grand Marshall for Calgary’s Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, will represent the federal Progressive Conservatives at the Egale Gala on Parliament Hill tonight, where John Fisher will be honoured. For the past 8 years, John Fisher has led Egale in the quest for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered people and their families. He will soon be leaving Egale to work on international GLBT issues.

At the Gala, MPs from all political parties have been invited to speak at the Gala. In addition to Joe Clark from the PCs, Libby Davies and Svend Robinson will represent the NDP while Réal Ménard will attend on behalf of the Bloc Québécois. It is expected that the Liberals will also designate a speaker.

Egale’s new Executive Director, Gilles Marchildon, will act as MC. Last January, Gilles moved from Winnipeg to Ottawa to lead Egale in developing a renewed focus on community building and social change as well as legal equality.

In addition, Sherri Gold will be providing live entertainment at the Gala. Popular musicians at Centertown Pub in Ottawa and Le Pub in Gatineau, Sherri Gold and her husband, Dan Goodsell perform a wide range of popular tunes for everyone’s enjoyment.

All members of the media are welcome to attend. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. The event takes place in Room 200 of the West Block on Parliament Hill, between 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Members of the public may obtain a ticket at the door, from Egale (613-230-1043) or at one of the following community venues:

Egale office • mother tongue books • After Stonewall • One in Ten
Capital Xtra! • Venus Envy • Elgin St. Video • Wilde’s