Fund Prides Equitably

We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

  • Commit to providing stable, predictable, and inflation-indexed funding for cultural and Pride festivals across the province
  • Ensure that such funding is delivered in a timely manner to enable the sustainable planning and implementation of successful cultural and Pride festivals each and every year to bolster local employment, economic development and tourism.

Will you sign?

To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

Whereas Pride festivals are losing corporate sponsorships because of Trump's assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, while also facing skyrocketing security and insurance costs.

Whereas Pride festivals generate tax revenues for governments and a significant return on investment for host-cities by attracting local, national, and international tourism;

Whereas Ontario should double down on promoting local tourism, staycations and Canadian values in the face of a trade war with the US;

Whereas unpredictable funding timelines, arts and culture funding freeze and shifting announcements from the Province have forced many Pride festivals across Ontario to reduce programming, lay off staff, or cancel events entirely;

Whereas the Government of Ontario should ensure that 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black, racialized, and Disabled communities see themselves reflected in Ontario's festival funding;

Whereas Pride and cultural festivals celebrate Ontarians' identities while providing vital affirmations of safety, visibility, and solidarity in the face of rising hate;