Justin Trudeau shows support for Steinbach Pride parade

Days after taking part in Toronto’s Pride parade, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is showing his support the LBGTQ community in Steinbach, Man. this weekend.

Organizers of Steinbach Pride posted on Facebook that Trudeau is preparing a personal message to attendees of the parade, which takes place on Saturday.

RELATED: Safety concerns for Steinbach Pride March this summer

The message will be delivered by Saint Boniface-Saint Vital Liberal MP Dan Vandal at city hall, organizers said Thursday.

Vandal told Global News, his office made the request to Trudeau.

“We want to show our support for the LBGTQ community,” Vandal said. “We want to stand up and fight against bigotry…. this is 2016 in Canada.”

Trudeau marched on the streets of downtown Toronto on July 3 for the city’s annual Pride parade. It’s the first time a sitting prime minister has taken part in it.

READ MORE: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marches in Toronto Pride Parade

This is also the first time the Pride parade is taking place in Steinbach, a town of over 13,000. The community is known for its religious associations, and many politicians have said they will not attend the march.

Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, MLA Kelvin Goertzen and MP Ted Falk have all said they are not going. The mayor and city council released a written statement saying they would not endorse the event.

READ MORE: Conservative MP says he will not attend Steinbach pride march due to values

Falk said he is standing by his “values of faith, family and community” and people should respect his right not to attend.

The march takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday. It kicks off at E.A. Friesen Park and will make its way down Elmdale Street, turn on Reimer Avenue and continue to city hall, where a rally will take place.

“It’s going to be a lot bigger than first anticipated,” Vandal said. “It’s going to be a fantastic and a lot of fun. there is going to be a lot of love in Steinbach that day.”