(Ottawa) The Trudeau government is allocating $1.5 million to LGBTQ+ community organizations to bolster security measures at Pride parades and other events this summer.
The money responds to a request from a national umbrella group, Fierté Canada Pride, which will distribute it to local committees that request it.
Funding can be used for expenses such as vehicle and crowd control, barricades, paid police or private security costs. This will increase safety and training resources for volunteers and community members during Pride season, according to a government press release.
Organizations supporting gender and sexual minorities across Canada have tightened their security after a documented increase in hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ people and physical clashes between protesters at drag events.
Julie Nobert-DeMarchi, president of Fierté Canada Pride, said members were “full of gratitude” to the government. She says this support is critical as Pride communities across the country plan events that are part of the fight to end hate against LGBTQ+ people.
Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien said the funding comes at a time when LGBTQ+ people need tangible support from politicians instead of empty words and platitudes.
“The Government of Canada has heard the concerns of the community and we are setting up an emergency fund that will go directly to Pride organizations to help them with rising security costs and continue to organize events. that are safe for all, but also to continue to celebrate the resilience of the community,” said Minister Ien in a press release.
She is also challenging Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to attend the raising of the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill this month.