Ontario Pride groups say extra federal security dollars now necessary to run safe events
CBC
For a third year in a row, $1.5 million in federal funding is being made available to local and national Pride organizations to pay for increased security at festivals and parades celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
The funding comes amid a national uptick in hate crime incidents against 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to rollback rights for gay and transgender people, and end diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
"We are very excited, and it's a necessity at this point in time," Tami Murray, president of the Oxford County Pride Committee, told Afternoon Drive on Wednesday, referring to Pride Toronto's recent loss of some corporate sponsors.
Oxford County Pride has applied for the funding since 2023, and will again this year, said Murray, who is retiring from the role of president in October after 10 years.
The funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada is available through the Community Safety Fund, which was launched in 2023 by Fierté Canada Pride, the national organization representing local Pride groups.
The federal government had earmarked $3 million over two years for the fund in its 2024 budget. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated the funding as he raised the Pride flag on Parliament Hill.
"Unfortunately, around the world, there's a backlash struggling against the progress that has been made," he said. "In this time, Canada will always stand up for the vulnerable and the equal rights we cherish."
Most Pride organizations are non-profit and rely on fundraising, Murray said.
"We want to be able to provide that money back into events, things that are actually practical and tangible for the community. We don't want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on security."
Funding from the Community Safety Fund can be spent on insurance, personnel, safety equipment and supplies, training, and infrastructure such as barricades and fencing, according to Fierté Canada Pride's website.
Small events and festivals, such as those with an overall budget under $500,000, can apply for up to $10,000 in funding. Festivals budgeted over $2 million can apply for up to $250,000.
Last year, more than 60 organizations across the country received funding, Fierté Canada Pride says, with 21 in Ontario.
One London-area Pride group, Elgin County Pride, was unaware of the funding, but say they could have used it in previous years with security and insurance being their two largest expenses.
"Security is a growing concern and our neighbouring communities pay a small fortune for their security," spokesperson Devon Church said.
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