Ottawa’s Pride parade was cancelled after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the route, sparking renewed debate over politics, sponsors, and community values.
Pride Parade Halted by Protesters
Ottawa’s annual Pride parade was cancelled on Sunday, August 24, after members of a local advocacy group, Queers for Palestine — Ottawa (Q4P), blocked the parade route. The group demanded negotiations with organizers, bringing the city’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ event to a sudden standstill.
Activists Voice Their Demands
Protesters gathered on Parliament Hill, chanting “This is what a village looks like!”—a reference to Capital Pride’s 2025 theme, “We are a village.” In a statement, Q4P said the action was meant to highlight the political and financial influences they believe compromise the Pride movement. “Our Pride is not for sale,” the group declared.
Organizers Forced to Cancel
Capital Pride announced the cancellation just before 3 p.m. on Instagram. A spokesperson later confirmed that attempts to reroute the parade at the last minute were unsuccessful. While the march was called off, the Bank Street festival continued as scheduled, running until 8 p.m.
Political Context and Tensions
The protest comes amid ongoing divisions following a 2024 controversy, when Capital Pride issued a statement condemning both Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa called the message antisemitic and boycotted Pride, prompting several sponsors and political leaders, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, to withdraw.
Mayor Responds to Cancellation
Sutcliffe, who declined interviews but issued a written statement, described the disruption as “deeply regrettable.” He added: “My heart goes out to the many people in our city who were deprived of the opportunity to participate in this celebration of joy, resilience, and community.”
Route and Festival Details
This year’s parade was set to travel up Elgin Street, past Parliament Hill on Wellington Street, before ending on Kent Street. Capital Pride had been working for years to secure a route in front of Parliament, making 2025 the first successful attempt. Despite the cancellation, festival activities on Bank Street—stretching from Gladstone Avenue to Slater Street—remained open to attendees.
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