Manitoba RCMP's commanding officer to march in Steinbach Pride parade

Manitoba's top Mountie says he will personally march in Steinbach'sinauguralpride march an event that local politicians have refused to attend and has asked his officers to make sure the event will be safe.

"I have also directed the Manitoba RCMP to provide all required resources to ensure participants can walk in Steinbach knowing they are safe, secure and have the RCMP by their side," Kolody wrote.

"I will be there, my officers will be there and I know this will be a great event for all."

RCMP have previously said they will be taking part in the parade, but it's the first time the force's commanding officer in Manitoba has spoken on the issue.

Last week, RCMP said they would be "reassessing" a decision not to issue a parade permit to the Steinbach march. At the time, they said the permit was "initially declined for safety reasons."

SteinbachMayor Chris Goertzen, localMLA Kelvin Goertzen andConservative MP TedFalkhave come under fire after they said they will not attend the Steinbach Pride event.

The City of Steinbach is not endorsing the parade, although a statement from Steinbach councillors said the LGBT community is welcome in the city.