by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Several groups have withdrawn from the upcoming Montreal Pride parade in recent days, citing safety concerns, while others have voiced opposition to parade sponsor TD and alleged human rights violations. According to Fierté Montreal Pride executive director Simon Gamache, these withdrawals constitute less than 2% of planned participants, and there will still be 188 groups taking part in the event.

This news comes following concerns about Pride events in other parts of Canada. In July, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston decided to skip the Halifax Pride parade this year due to RCMP concerns, and in June, Toronto’s Pride Parade was disrupted and broken up by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Incidents like this have been occurring at Pride parades around the world all year, according to Gamache, who spoke about their organization’s increased security efforts during a recent press conference.

In June, the federal government announced their investment of $1.5-million in Fierté Canada Pride for enhanced security measures at Pride events across the country. The funding can be used to offset the rising cost of event insurance, emergency planning, training for staff and volunteers and other security needs.

On the same day that he attended the Pride Parade in Vancouver this past weekend, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a message about security at all Pride parades in Canada.

“If you’re marching in a Pride parade this summer, you should feel free and safe — full stop,” Trudeau wrote. “We’re making sure organizations have the security they need for Pride events this year, because we’re not going to let anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate stop the celebrations.”

The Montreal Pride parade takes place on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.