Sudbury Pride barring police from participating in events, issues apology to 2SLGBTQ community

While there is a need for increased security, Pride parade organizers in Sudbury have apologized for past police participation in their parade.

Amid a growing need for increased security at Pride events across Canada, a recent decision by the Sudbury Pride organization is prohibiting police from participating in an official capacity.

Many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community say they have been experiencing heightened intolerance and hatred in recent years while also having a complicated relationship with police.

Uniformed officers not welcome

Because of that, the Fierté Sudbury Pride organization recently apologized to its community members about its past choices, including allowing police participation in previous events, in a statement on social media.

Among the concrete steps organizers are taking is not permitting police in uniform to participate in any Pride events.

“We have to say, ‘What can we do differently to make sure everyone is kept safe and what do police do that might keep some people safe and not others,” Groom said.

“How can we backfill that? What does that actually look like? What we know is that by having people who are visible, who are present, who are observing spaces, that will really change the dynamic in a way that often police don’t.”

Officers who want to participate may do so while not in uniform.

Committed to rebuilding trust

Although faded since it was painted last year, the Chair of Fierté Sudbury Pride calls the rainbow-coloured ‘Progress Pride Crosswalk’ downtown a ‘compromise.’

It is on Minto Street close to city hall, yet steps away from the headquarters of the Greater Sudbury Police.

“There’s elements there that we have to be mindful of and also just know that we have to do our best within the constraints that we have,” said Aspen Groom, Sudbury Pride chairperson.

Greater Sudbury Police Service said it respects the group’s decision and is committed to listening, learning and taking steps to build trust with marginalized communities.

"We respect the right of organizers to create spaces where community members feel safe and supported," Sudbury police said in a statement about the situation.

"We recognize that historical and ongoing harms have shaped the complex relationship between 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and policing. We do not take these concerns lightly. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps to build trust with marginalized communities, including those who have not always felt heard or protected."

Police said they remain committed to equity, inclusion, and human rights, both within the organization and within the community.

“We will continue working alongside members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community year-round -- through outreach, education, and collaboration -- to foster safety, dignity, and belonging for all,” police added.

“Our hope is that through continued dialogue and understanding, we can build stronger, more inclusive relationships and find a path forward together. We wish Fierté Sudbury Pride safe and successful events."

Changes to 2025 Sudbury Pride march

In order for the local Pride festival to hold a march without police involvement, Groom said they’re planning for the event to travel along the sidewalk with plenty of volunteer marshals who will have training in de-escalation and community care.

According to Groom, Fierté Sudbury Pride will be applying for the new permanent federal funding announced earlier this week in Ottawa meant to support security needs for Pride festivals across Canada.

The total of $1.5 million is to help cover costs for safety and insurance planning.

During the national flag-raising ceremony on June 10, Prime Minister Mark Carney called Pride ‘a promise.’

“It’s a promise to every couple who wants to show affection, to be able to hold hands in public without looking over their shoulders,” Carney told the crowd.

“It’s a promise to every Canadian that they will be respected; that their rights will be protected. That you will be safe in your own community and proud in your own skin.”

During the event, the co-chair of the Canadian Pride Caucus said he looks forward to a day when there isn’t hatred towards others who are different.

“Some of us dream of the day when the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ will be replaced by these simple four letters L-O-V-E,” said Canadian Senator Rene Cormier.