Today, as the Pride Flag was raised on Parliament Hill, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), highlighted an investment of $3 million over two years for Fierté Canada Pride to help Pride festivals strengthen safety and security measures across Canada.
Pride festivals bring communities together to celebrate the resilience and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. These festivals are also important cultural and economic drivers that attract visitors, support local businesses, and create opportunities in communities across the country. This includes the more than 100,000 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses that contribute over $22 billion to Canada's economy and support more than 435,000 jobs.
As Pride organizations face rising security costs and increasing concerns about hate and harassment, the federal government is helping ensure these events can continue safely and successfully. Through ongoing investments in the 2SLGBTQI+ sector, including $54.6 million over five years, with $10.9 million ongoing, the federal government is supporting organizations to strengthen communities and expand participation in Canada's economy and society. This includes $7.5 million over five years, with $1.5 million ongoing, to help Pride festivals address rising security and insurance costs and continue providing safe and welcoming spaces for participants, volunteers, families, and visitors.
