Conservative candidate Joan Crockatt won’t march in Calgary Pride Parade

CALGARY – Federal Conservative candidate Joan Crockatt will not be marching in the city’s annual pride parade.

Crockatt, who is seeking reelection in Calgary Centre, was invited to join the event by Calgary Pride, but her potential participation was questioned by the city’s LGBTQ community due to her lack of support for Bill C-279. Crockatt had previously voted against the bill, which aims to add gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Act.

On Wednesday, Calgary Pride issued a statement on their Facebook page saying after further consultation with Crockatt they had “mutually agreed on the withdrawal of her application to march in this year’s Pride parade.”

“Both parties look forward to ongoing dialogue and Calgary Pride has communicated with Crockatt that she, along with all Calgarians, are welcome at the Pride festival and are invited to engage further with the community,” said Calgary Pride.

Crockatt clarified on her Facebook page that she did not want her participation to “divert attention away from the efforts of organizers of this event.”

Instead, she says she will mark Pride in another way this year.

The 2015 Pride Parade runs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 6.

BELOW: Joan Crockatt’s complete statement regarding the 2015 Pride Parade

“The Pride Parade celebrates diversity — something I do every day working for residents in Calgary Centre. I do not want my participation to divert attention away from the efforts of organizers of this event. That is why I will mark Pride in another way this year, and continue to discuss issues of importance to the community with as many people as I can at the doors. I wish organizers my very best.”