The Trudeau government is earmarking $1.5 million for LGBTQ2 community organizations to boost security measures at Pride parades and other events this summer.
The money matches a request by a national umbrella group, Fierte Canada Pride, which will distribute it to local committees that apply.
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The funding can be used for expenses such as vehicle and crowd control, barricades, fees for paid-duty police or private security.
Organizations supporting gender and sexual minorities across Canada have ramped up their security after a documented rise in hate crimes targeting LGBTQ2 people, and physical confrontations between protesters at drag-queen events.
Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien says the funding comes at a time when LGBTQ2 people need tangible support from politicians instead of empty words and platitudes.
She also is challenging Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to attend the raising of a Pride flag on Parliament Hill this month.
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