Lebour: Celebrate diversity during Pride Week
June 24, 2010
Tom Lebour
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
One aspect that sets the Greater Toronto Area apart from many other world cities is the diversity of its people.
According to the 2006 census, nearly 46 per cent of all GTA residents are foreign-born. That’s the highest percentage in North America and even higher than any of the major cities in Australia, the world’s most diverse nation.
Many people are drawn to our city because it is a place where people come together to share their strengths. Our differences though, extend well beyond ethnic origins to varied religious faiths, dietary preferences, and sexual orientations, to name just a few.
While there is always room for advancement, ours is a city where diversity is embraced.
One example of this culture of acceptance is Toronto’s Pride Parade, which has thrived in our city for 30 years. Pride celebrations in 1981 drew approximately 1,500 people. Today, attendance at the event surpasses 1.2 million people.
As president of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), I am delighted that for the first time ever Greater Toronto realtors will be participating as a group in this year’s Pride Parade, which takes place July 4th.
Our association’s entry, “TREB Celebrates Diversity,” will consist of a float and a 200 person-marching presence.
As Canada's largest real estate board, serving more than 30,000 realtors in the GTA, it is particularly appropriate for TREB to pursue new frontiers by paying tribute to our city’s diversity.
The parade, which is expected to last approximately two hours, begins at 2 p.m. at Bloor and Church Sts., travelling east on Bloor to Yonge St., then south on Yonge to Gerrard St., turning west to return to Church.
Participants are asked to bring water and check in one hour in advance.
If you would like to receive an application to march behind the “TREB Celebrates Diversity” float, please contact trebprideparaderegistration@trebnet.com. Your registration will be confirmed via email.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Tom Lebour is president of the Toronto Real Estate Board. The views expressed here are those of the president. For more information, go to www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com. Follow on @TREB_Official, on Facebook TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel.