N.S. Pride groups applaud federal funding to improve event safety, security

Pride groups in Nova Scotia are applauding recently announced federal funding that organizations can use to help cover safety and security costs for festivals and events.

Rechie Valdez, minister of women and gender equality, announced about $1.5 million toward a community safety fund. The initiative has been in place since 2023 and is administered by Fierté Canada Pride, a national organization representing 2SLGBTQ+ Pride groups in Canada.

Pictou County Pride's director of community engagement said the funding shows the federal government understands that hate toward 2SLGBTQ+ people is rising.

"For many of us we are noticing a lot more safety considerations within the community, especially for trans and gender-diverse folk," said Lucy White.

This year, there have been a number of incidents of vandalism in Nova Scotia targeting 2SLGBTQ+ businesses and people. Police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation in Atlantic Canada have also been on the rise.

Small events and festivals are eligible for up to $10,000 from the fund. Groups with an event budget under $2 million can apply for up to $50,000, while the largest events can receive up to $250,000.

The money can be used to cover the cost of things like insurance and working with a security company to develop an emergency response plan.

"A lot of the times we talk about rising hate, but we don't talk about the actual financial costs that [Pride groups] are subject to ... to keep their community safe," said Marc Basque, community safety co-ordinator with Fierté Canada Pride.

He said a group doesn't have to be a formally registered organization to apply for the funding.

Fiona Kerr, the executive director of Halifax Pride, said the fund will be a big help with rising costs.

"We don't really introduce new safety measures, but the ones that we currently do pay for seem to go up exponentially every single year," said Kerr.

Kerr is glad to see the federal government taking the matter seriously.

She said Halifax Pride has increased security capacity in recent years, with that being the main thing the money will help with. Kerr added that it will help pay for increased first-aid presence at events.

"The weather, the heat is not getting any better," said Kerr. "That's been a large concern for us on our parade weekend."

Pictou County Pride is not a large enough organization to need help from the fund, said White. But, she said, it could be helpful down the line if the group grows.

White added that the fund's existence is "really positive."

"It sends a great message from the top down that the support is there ... and that there are solutions available."