Poilievre’s office silent on leader’s Pride plans, other party chiefs look to attend

Pierre Poilievre is the only federal leader whose staff won’t answer questions about whether their chief intends to participate in Pride events this summer.

Officials for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May all responded to queries to confirm they will attend various Pride events.

Poilievre’s office replied to the same question by saying that Melissa Lantsman, the party’s deputy leader, attended a Pride flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill earlier this month.

Jordan Ames-Sinclair, a two-spirit activist, said during that ceremony on June 3 that people should pay attention to who attended.

“I do believe it is noteworthy to note who is not here, and leaders we do not see making it a priority to uplift our community,” Ames-Sinclair said.

Poilievre has not publicly observed Pride month during cross-country June travels to meet community groups while marking other events including St-Jean-Baptiste Day, Italian Heritage Month and Toronto’s Christian Music Festival.

LGBTQ+ groups across North America celebrate June as Pride month, although festivals and parades happen throughout the summer in different Canadian cities.

Pride Month has been celebrated annually in June, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which erupted over police raids of a gay club. The overarching purpose is to achieve equality for the LGBTQ+ community, while also uplifting members’ voices and culture.

Singh’s office confirmed he will be marching in the Pride parade this weekend in Toronto, a tradition dating from his days as a member of the provincial legislature.

He is also expected to march in Montreal’s Pride parade in