Canada’s biggest Pride groups, including Vancouver Pride Society, are calling for more federal funding to support events across the country.
Representatives from the groups were on Parliament Hill Tuesday, asking for $9 million over three years. They said the funding is needed to keep up with rising infrastructure costs, pay artists and offset declines in corporate funding.
“I think with the state of the economy and the DEI rollbacks and the tariffs, we are noticing that our corporate sponsors are coming to the table, but it’s not at the same place that they have been,” said Joseph Hoang, a director with Vancouver Pride. “We are noticing the hate toward 2SLGBTQIA groups that are affecting our Prides as well,” he said.
He said many festivals and events in Vancouver are shrinking or disappearing.
“We do not want to be one of those festivals,” said Hoang. “We need partners from every level of government to come support Prides.”
Several major sponsors pulled their support for the annual festival in Vancouver last year, leading the Vancouver Pride Society to go ahead with a shorter, altered parade route last August.
Pride Toronto also reported a nearly $900,000 shortfall last June after several major corporate sponsors pulled their funding – decisions the organization says were motivated by the political backlash to diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the U.S.
The representatives said the funding they are asking for would be separate from the $1.5 million in security funding Pride groups currently get from Ottawa.
Kojo Modeste, the executive director of Pride Toronto, said that security funding is divided between Pride groups across Canada to pay for things like paid duty officers, private security, fencing and other physical barriers to protect against vehicles.
Callie Metler, executive director of Fierte Capital Pride in Ottawa, said the security funding included in the federal budget was welcome, but it is not enough to meet the needs of Pride groups.
Metler said Pride events also contribute billions each year to Canada’s economy.
Some smaller organizations in B.C. say they are also feeling a funding pinch this year.
Heather Hillier, Board Secretary with the Prince George Pride Society, said the organization is still uncertain what sponsorship and funding levels will look like for this summer’s events.
“In terms of this year, we are feeling the ongoing pressures,” said Hillier in an emailed statement. “Prince George Pride relies heavily on sponsorships to deliver Pride Week events, and that support isn’t always predictable, especially in today’s political and social climate.”
Hillier said she supports the call for more federal funding, noting the organization is currently run by volunteers.
“Additional funding could mean having dedicated staff, securing office space, or even covering basic operational needs. It would also allow us to expand programming, reduce costs for attendees, and grow Pride in meaningful ways,” she said.
The federal government’s Women and Gender Equality department said in a statement the 2025 budget includes investments of including $54.6 million over five years, with $10.9 million ongoing, to support LGBTQ+ communities.
That includes a $40 million fund that is intended to help organizations increase their capacity, and the government’s ongoing funding for Pride festival security.
“Our government recognizes the vital role Pride festivals play in celebrating inclusion and strengthening communities across the country,” it said.
