Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an apology to the LGBTQ community for what's now known as Canada's 'Gay Purge'.

"There was people spying on civil servants and investigating them," says Kayla Jessen with the Airdrie Pride Society, "I think a lot of people forget that being gay was illegal until a few decades ago. That was actively pursued by the government."

The purge which began in the 1950's saw hundreds of government workers lose their job over their sexuality.

Jessen says that the apology from Trudeau goes a long way to help close the door on the hurtful past.

"Some people say it's just words. We teach our kids to apologize for the wrongs they've done and we don't get to decide how much we've hurt people so an apology, it goes a long way."

The apology came with a $100 Million settlement which some Canadians are not happy with. Jessen says, when it comes to the money, there's a bigger picture in play.

"I think that any time money comes into it, it's something that upsets people because it is tax dollars. I think it's important to look beyond just the amount and look at the people who were really affected by things."

Although many roads have been made to reconcile with the LGBTQ community and eliminate discrimination, Jessen says it still exists today.

"I think it comes down to a lack of education and a lack of understanding. We at the Pride Society really hope that we can be that bridge to educate people and to ensure that they have the ability to understand what's going on because inevitably, we're not here to divide anyone, we don't want to take sides. We want to bring everyone together."

Jessen says those who oppose transgenderism and the formation of Gay Straight Alliances under Bill 24 are just two examples of how discrimination is prevalent.

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