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Pride festivals seek federal $3M as corporations pull back support amid DEI backlash
Pride festivals nationwide seek $9 million over three years to cover rising costs as corporate sponsorships decline, risking deficits for about 200 events, organizers say.
- On Tuesday, Pride representatives from across Canada asked the federal government for $9 million over three years to fill budget gaps left by corporate sponsors withdrawing support amid DEI backlash.
- Corporate sponsors including Google, Nissan, and Clorox have pulled support due to economic pressures and backlash to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, causing some festivals to face losses close to $1 million.
- Organizers currently receive about $1.5 million from Ottawa for security funding, but rising inflation and tariffs strain festivals; local businesses in Church and Wellesley streets depend on festivals for more than 50 per cent of annual income.
- "We are seeing our budgets are not stable," said Callie Metler, executive director of Fierte Capital Pride in Ottawa, as organizations approach a breaking point and smaller groups like Timmins Pride struggle to maintain social services.
- Leaders argue federal investment positions Canada as an inclusive destination for 2SLGBTQ+ tourism; Global News has reached out to the government for response as organizers warn that without stable funding, Pride events face an uncertain future.
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23 Articles
23 Articles
The Toronto Star+19 Reposted by 19 other sources
Pride festivals seek federal $3M as corporations pull back support amid DEI backlash
OTTAWA - Pride festivals are seeking $3 million annually from Ottawa to fill a funding gap left by organizers pulling back funding amid a backlash to diversity, equity and inclusion
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left17Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution85% Left
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources lean Left
85% Left
L 85%
15%
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