WHEREAS Toronto's Pride Week is one of our city's largest cultural events and contributes to its economic vitality by attracting thousands of visitors to its parades and week-long celebration.

The people of Toronto have established a caring, compassionate society based on the inherent dignity of all its members. Toronto's strong, vibrant and proud queer community is the third largest in North America and plays an important part in the rich, diverse fabric of our city and culture. In a world too often marked by clashes and violence between people who see differences as a reason for conflict, Pride Week provides another opportunity to celebrate the harmony in which we co-exist.

Pride Week celebrates the diversity of our city and contributes to raising awareness about discrimination and other barriers affecting employment, housing, public safety, policing, health care, education and the recognition of family relationships.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim June 22 – July 1, 2012 as "Pride Week" in the City of Toronto.