Canada News
PM Mark Carney joins Vancouver Pride Parade amid funding cuts, shorter route
VANCOUVER — Prime Minister Mark Carney surprised thousands of paradegoers on Sunday as he marched in the 2025 Vancouver Pride Parade, calling the celebration “the best of Canada.”
Carney walked a portion of the route alongside participants from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies, waving to the crowd and sharing a few words via microphone handed to him by a drag performer. He praised the event for reflecting Canada’s values of unity and inclusion.
This year’s Pride Parade saw major adjustments due to financial constraints, including a significantly shortened route. Instead of its usual length, the procession began at Pacific Boulevard near Griffiths Way and ended just past Burrard Street. Organizers cited rising costs in permits, security, and logistics as the reason for the cutbacks.
Despite the challenges, the event drew large crowds and concluded with the return of the Davie Village Pride Festival—featuring live performances, drag shows, and community booths throughout the afternoon and evening.
Carney’s appearance came shortly after a closed-door meeting with B.C. Premier David Eby and port officials to discuss trade tensions with the United States, including ongoing issues surrounding softwood lumber and tariffs. In a brief media statement, Carney said he remained optimistic about reaching “something constructive” in Canada-U.S. trade talks.
The Vancouver Pride Society says that while nearly half of corporate sponsors pulled out this year, they were determined to move forward with the event to keep the spirit of Pride alive—emphasizing that visibility and solidarity matter now more than ever.
