Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston missed Halifax's Pride parade Saturday, marking his second consecutive absence from Atlantic Canada's largest LGBTQ+ celebration.
The Progressive Conservative Party failed to register in time for the parade, leaving all float spots filled, according to Halifax Pride executive director Fiona Kerr. The party remained on a waiting list while the NDP and Liberal parties marched with floats, making the PCs the only major political party not represented.
Houston spent Saturday at an annual stock car race in Antigonish, N.S., instead of the parade. His spokesperson Catherine Klimek confirmed the party was waitlisted but did not explain whether Houston attempted to join another group's float.
"It's definitely disappointing that he did not, or maybe won't, find other ways to support Halifax Pride," Kerr reportedly said in an email to The Canadian Press. She noted the premier has not attended any other Pride events during the 11-day festival, which runs until July 27.
Safety concerns cited for 2024 absence
Houston cited RCMP safety warnings about potential protesters as his reason for missing last year's parade. Klimek said Thursday that law enforcement advised the premier his presence could trigger protests that might endanger bystanders.
The RCMP confirmed providing safety advice but said the attendance decision remained with the premier. Police would have deployed resources to ensure public safety had he participated, a spokesperson said last year.
Houston last marched in the Pride parade in 2022, both as premier and opposition leader. The 2023 parade was cancelled.
The premier posted on Facebook when Pride began Thursday, writing "no matter who you love or how you identify, you deserve to live in a province that embraces acceptance, inclusion, and respect." Klimek said Houston "looks forward to again participating in the Halifax Pride parade in the future."
Pride organizers said last year they supported pro-Palestinian demonstrators' right to protest, while warning parade coordinators about possible disruptions.
