“I count on federal, provincial and local governments to join us as allies and provide us with the resources and support we need,” said Chris Kennedy, spokesman and board member for the national organization Canada Pride.
Kennedy noted that the cost of hiring security personnel (whether police or private security) has increased, as has the cost of materials. Still, many Pride events are trying to gain momentum after several years of reduced activity due to the pandemic.
“As a non-profit, it’s very difficult to set a budget when you look at inflation and a month or three weeks before the event you find price certainty is overly inflated.”
– A quote from Chris Kennedy, spokesman for the national organization Fierté Canada Pride
Earlier this week, Toronto Pride announced it may have to downsize its festival attendance this year as police and insurance costs have risen significantly, just weeks before the event.
The organization stated that the insurance price was $60,000 in 2022, but in 2023 the bill skyrocketed to $278,000. The cost of policing, meanwhile, rose from $62,000 last year to $186,000 in 2023.
Toronto has expanded its parade route and added a new refreshment stand with seating for 1,000, which police say has contributed to higher service fees. “When you expand your scope a little further, that also comes with additional costs,” admitted Mr. Kennedy.
In Montreal, organizers are planning to resume the parade this year after having to cancel it at the last minute in 2022 due to safety concerns. The organizers had failed to recruit enough volunteers to secure the course.
violence increases
According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, hate crimes against people of sexual diversity increased 64% from 2020 to 2021.
Pride banners erected in downtown Norwich, Ontario were vandalized in 2022.
Photo: Radio Canada / Jane Robertson
Additionally, the Pride flag has become the subject of controversy since the municipality of Norwich, Ontario decided not to fly it on city buildings.
The phenomenon is spreading in Canada, says Barry Karlenzig, president of the organization Winnipeg Pride. We have added additional security measures to the website […]which also increases costs because we want to make sure people feel safe and can be themselves, he says.
The event is scheduled to take place on June 4, but Karlenzig says he has yet to receive a final offer to organize security. While organizers had forecast inflation-related cost increases of 3% to 5% last year, security-related bills have risen by more than 15%.
For its part, the Ministry of Public Security assures that the federal government is aware of the concerns related to the increase in costs.
The federal government will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure everyone celebrating Pride-related events and festivals can do so safely and in an inclusive manner, the spokesman said. Minister Marco Mendicino.
Based on information provided by Benjamin Shingler, CBC