Mark Tewksbury Speaks at Egale Annual Gala Tonight on Parliament Hill

All 5 Federal Parties Represented

Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Tewksbury will speak at EGALE’s Annual Gala in Room 200 of the West Block tonight.

“I’m very much looking forward to speaking tonight at EGALE’s Gala,” said Tewksbury. “As someone who is seeking equal rights for my same-sex partner to immigrate to Canada, I understand first-hand the importance of equal treatment and basic human rights. Changes are needed across the board, so I fully support EGALE’s work to advance equality for lesbians, gays and bisexuals.”

“We are delighted that Mark Tewksbury is able to join us as Special Guest for tonight’s event,” said John Fisher, Executive Director of EGALE, Canada’s national lesbian and gay equality organization. “Mark’s courage and integrity have helped to focus national attention on the struggle of lesbians, gays and bisexuals for equality. This year’s Gala comes at a crucial time, with the federal Government considering broad-sweeping changes to federal legislation to recognize same-sex couples equally.”

The EGALE Gala is an annual event to raise awareness of the important equality issues affecting the lives of lesbian and gay Canadians and to give members of the community the opportunity to meet the many Members of Parliament and Senators who have demonstrated their commitment to human rights for all Canadians.

A representative of all five federal political parties will also be speaking.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date:

Tuesday April 20, 1999

Time:

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Place:

Room 200, West Block, House of Commons

Guest Speaker:

Olympic Gold Medallist Mark Tewksbury

Other Confirmed Speakers include:

Liberal Party:	The Hon. Hedy Fry, PC, MP
Reform Party:	Mr. Ian McClelland, MP
Bloc Quebecois:	M. Maurice Dumas, député
New Democratic Party:	Mr. Svend Robinson, MP
Progressive Conservative:	Mr. Scott Brison, MP

All members of the media are welcome to attend. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.

For further information:
John Fisher, Executive Director, EGALE (613) 230-1043