North Bay Pride is getting $91,500 in federal funding.
The money, announced by Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing Timiskaming, is going towards the operational costs of this year’s Pride Festival in September.
Part of the funding will go towards a concert at Laurentian Ski Hill on Saturday, September 17.
Bif Naked, Ria Mae and local recording artist Mackenzie Drive will be performing.
Donations are requested at the gate for admission but are not required.
“From coast to coast to coast, Canadians gather at Pride events throughout the summer to celebrate and share the values of strength and solidarity,” Rota says. “These celebrations are a time to remind us of the resiliency, spirit, and presence of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities across Canada and right here in Nipissing-Timiskaming.”
Jason Maclennan, communications director for North Bay Pride, says not only is this funding important for Pride, but it also helps to drive economic recovery.
“With recent online hate towards OutLoud and Pride organizations in Canada, it reinforces the need for pride to continue the fight for equity by having events, parades and educational opportunities,” he says. “ However, this is not possible without the support of grants such as the Canadian Heritage Grants and work that this government has done in regard to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Events from Sept. 14-17 also include a Drag Show Persona Contest, a Trans March, a cruise on the Chief Commanda II, and the Pride Parade on Saturday, Sept. 17th.
