Vancouver's 36th annual Pride Week has officially kicked off with a declaration by Mayor Gregor Robertson. The festivities commenced at 11 a.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, where speakers discussed the lives of LGBTQ refugees in Vancouver and across the entire nation.
Upon completion of the discussion, the rainbow flag will be raised at around 12:15 p.m. and Mayor Robertson will read the Pride Week proclamation.
A barbeque will also be hosted by Vancouver's LGBTQ community at around 12:45 p.m.