Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes attends historic apology ceremony in Ottawa as Govt of Canada apologizes for past treatment of LGBTQ2 people.

“It’s a wonderful day for the LGBTQ2 people of Canada, their friends, families and allies,” said Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes. “Finally, the wrongs of the past can be corrected, and we can begin to work on building a better chapter in our history.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a speech in the House of Commons as some in attendance wept with joy. “It is with shame and sorrow and deep regret for the things we have done that I stand here today and say we were wrong, we apologize, I am sorry, we are sorry,” said the Prime Minister.

Reaction from other House leaders was positive.

Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Official Opposition, said “How you treat your fellow Canadians, how you work every single day to make this country stronger, how you give of yourself to your families, your communities, and your loved ones—those are the true measures of one's love for Canada."

From the New Democratic Party, Guy Caron said "this apology should be the springboard for action... It is our hope, Mr. Speaker, that all Canadians take today as an opportunity to move forward & continue to build the inclusive, accepting country that we all know we can be."

“The government is not only apologizing today, but has also committed to expunging the records of past convictions under anti-LGBTQ2 laws,” said Hawkes. “These laws did a lot of damage to a lot of people and I’m proud that at last, these people can have their names and their dignity restored.”