Montréal, Wednesday, July 22 — Following the recent announcements concerning the Government of Canada’s refusal to grant a subsidy to the Divers/Cité festival and the controversy surrounding the payment of a grant to the Toronto Pride, it is important to note that federal government has made absolutely no financial contribution to the Montréal Pride Celebrations over the past three years in which the event has existed.
Last year, attendance at the Montréal Pride Celebrations was estimated at over 159,000 people, according to CROP surveys conducted, and the tourism and economic spin-off benefits were calculated to be $ 4.2 million. "This year, despite all our efforts to open a dialogue with the federal government, we barely even received an acknowledgment of receipt of our correspondence. It is actually quite regrettable that, despite the importance of our event in Montréal’s calendar of events, it’s like pulling teeth to get financial support from the Harper government. It will be a struggle this year to improve our programming to reach our goal of 200,000 visitors and tourists,” Éric Pineault, President of Pride Celebrations, said today.
At a time when governments are seeking to invest in profitable projects to counter the economic slowdown, there has been much talk about encouraging events that employ many people, both before and during the event. The responses received so far from the Government of Québec have been lukewarm at best and Montréal Pride Celebrations is still waiting for an important confirmation in order to be able to produce a strong event, one that is appealing and on the same level as similar events around the world.
It is important to clarify that the organization of the Pride Parade and Community Day is now under the responsibility of Montréal Pride Celebrations since Divers/Cité withdrew from the organization of these events, which they produced until 2006. Some confusion persists among the general public, tourists and the media and, for this reason, it is essential that the media strive to disseminate accurate information along with appropriate—and distinctive—visuals for each event.
Montréal Pride Celebrations would like to reiterate its gratitude to its public and private partners that will make the Pride celebration in Montréal possible in 2009: TD Canada Trust, the City of Montreal, Tourisme Montreal, the Borough of Ville-Marie, the SDC (Société de développement commerciale) du Village, Fugues, Trojan, Yellow Tail, VIA Rail Canada, Delta Centre-ville, Bio-K International, Winners, Priape, Eska, MOJO and Cabral Porto as well as numerous suppliers and media partners.
The Montréal Pride Celebrations will be held from August 13 to 15, 2009.
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Éric Pineault, President
epineault@fiertemontrealpride.com
C. 514 616-7170
About Célébrations LGBTA Montréal
Celebrations LGBTA Montréal is the corporation that organizes the Pride Celebrations. The organization was legally established by the community in June 2007 in order to organize the two main events: the Parade and the Community Day. Celebrations LGBTA Montréal is a non-profit organization directed by a board of directors, whose members come from local LGBTA associations, business sectors, special events and the tourism industry.
