Ottawa police chief Charles Bordeleau said he will wear his uniform as he marches in this summer's Pride Parade.
Late Friday, organizers issued a request to police officers to leave their uniforms at home, saying some of their members of colour felt uncomfortable around police.
But Bordeleau told CFRA's Morning Rush that police are part of the community, and he's proud of the support that's developed in the police service towards its LGBTQ members.
"For too long, those people have had to remain silent in our police service," Bordeleau said.
"We've created an environment where people can come out and identify with the community, and it's important for them to see that their chief and the executive support them."
Capital Pride spokesperson Tammy Dobson told CFRA that she regrets that some officers feel slighted by their decision.
But Dobson maintained that their request should be seen as a positive, not a negative.
"We've asked for the police to send a clear message of solidarity with our folks of colour, by setting aside their uniform for this year, and letting them know that they actually want to make those improvements - they actually want to create those safer spaces," she said.
Dobson said they respect Bordeleau's decision, but they will continue to ask that officers not wear their uniforms in the parade.