Ottawan Citizen dot com
Ciara Byrne, Ottawa Citizen
Published: Thursday, August 23, 2007

Previously, Mr. O'Brien had been criticized for his lack of communication with the city's gay, lesbian and transgender community. 

He declined to participate in the Pride Week flag-raising ceremony, citing a prior commitment. He also angered the gay community by saying he wouldn't be able to get to last night's meeting for the scheduled start time,  due to a rescheduled financial plan meeting. Instead, he said he would be an hour late.