Prime minister marches in P.E.I. Pride parade as provincial politicians told to keep it 'non-partisan' - Action News
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PEI

Prime minister marches in P.E.I. Pride parade as provincial politicians told to keep it 'non-partisan'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marched in the P.E.I. Pride parade Saturday in downtown Charlottetown, while Pride P.E.I. asked provincial politicians to leave their party's branded materials at home.

Parade organizers said provincial politicians were welcome 'in non-partisan' fashion

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marches in the P.E.I. Pride parade Saturday alongside Pride P.E.I. board chair Lucky Fusca (left) and MP Lawrence MacAulay.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marches in the P.E.I. Pride parade Saturday alongside Pride P.E.I. board chair Lucky Fusca, left, and MP Lawrence MacAulay. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marched in the P.E.I. Pride parade Saturday in downtown Charlottetown, while Pride P.E.I. asked provincial politicians to leave their party's branded materials at home.

The 25th annual parade began at noon at the provincial government buildings on Terry Fox Drive. It continueddown Euston Streetto Great George, Grafton and Rochford before ending on Kent Street.

The announcement by the PMO of Trudeau's participation came months after parade organizers said it no longer wanted provincial politicians and political leaders to participate.

That came in the wake of some audio that emerged of Premier Dennis King while he was on the campaign trail. Prompted by a question from an unknown person on the voice track, King said that, in an ideal world, people would agree to disagree about things like drag storytime events. He later apologized for his remarks.

Trudeau poses with Jenene Wooldridge, Julie Pellessier-Lush and other members of the Mi'kmaw community at the Pride parade.
Trudeau poses with Jenene Wooldridge, left, Julie Pellessier-Lush and other members of the Mi'kmaw community at the Pride parade. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)

In an interview Saturday morning, Lucky Fusca, board chair of Pride P.E.I., said they agreed to welcome Trudeau's participation after getting approval fromBIPOC and Indigenous people from within the LGBTQ community.

"I think that Justin Trudeau will probably feel pretty honoured to be able to march with us today."

They said provincial politicians were welcome to march in the parade but only as individuals in a "non-partisan" way.

"But as far as having any kind of branded materials that represent their parties, we ask that they don't do that," Fusca said.

"The reason being is that we felt that the local provincial parties haven't done what we expect them to do at this point as far as showing active allyship,as well as providing tangible supports to organizations that are serving the community."

The Pride parade featured a marching band for the first time.
The Pride parade featured a marching band for the first time. (Gabrielle Drumond/Radio-Canada)

Federal Liberal MP Sean Casey kicked offPride week with a barbecue July 21.

Trudeau faced some hostility, cutting shortan event short in Belleville, Ont., last week, when protesters swarmed his motorcade. That event was not tied to Pride festivities.

A drag queen in a car.
The Pride parade was the 25th held on P.E.I. (Gabrielle Drumond/Radio-Canada)

He was greeted warmly on P.E.I., though one person in the crowd could be heard shouting "dictator."

A record 75 groups registered for the parade, including the first marching band to participate.

"This is magic," Fusca said. "It's a day full of love to celebrate who we are authentically ... so very honoured and excited."

Trudeau greets people lining the streets during the Pride parade Saturday.
Trudeau greets people lining the streets during the Pride parade Saturday. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)
Tracy Barnett and Brendan Lea were decked out in Pride colours for the parade on Saturday.
Tracy Barnett and Brendan Lea were decked out in Pride colours for the parade on Saturday. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)
Trudeau stops in for a visit to Cows on the corner of Queen and Kent streets in Charlottetown.
Trudeau stops in for some ice cream at Cows on the Charlottetown waterfront. He ordered P.E.I. raspberry. (Stacey Janzer/CBC)

With files from Stacey Janzer