Canada is built on shared values of diversity, equity, optimism and personal security and is recognized the world over as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ2 travellers.

“Pride reminds me of what a privilege it is to live in Canada, where we accept and celebrate people of all identities. I often say I want Ottawa to be the greenest capital in the world, but I also want it to be the most rainbow-friendly capital in the world and encourage people to visit. Our government has worked to make Canada fairer and safer for the LGBTQ2 community, and celebrating an event like this, where everyone can be themselves and feel proud of who they are, helps us build a more tolerant, more welcoming, stronger and more diverse Ottawa.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, P.C., M.P., Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“Canada has a strong reputation around the world as a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ2 travellers. By supporting events like Capital Pride and other LGBTQ2 organizations across the country, we are helping them promote inclusiveness and understanding, both in Canada and abroad.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“We are proud to receive support through the Canadian Experiences Fund. This funding will support our efforts to promote the Capital Region among 2SLGBTQ+ tourists and further enhance and develop both our summer and winter festivals. Pride events in our community and across the country contribute to building a more inclusive society and this funding will allow Capital Pride to increase the reach and impact that festival has.”
– Davy Sabourin, Chairperson, Capital Pride

The City of Ottawa is grateful for the Canadian Experiences Fund’s contributions towards Capital Pride. We are proud of our 2SLGBTQ+ community and the funding will help us to better promote inclusivity, and attract more visitors to the nation’s capital.”
– Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

“Ottawa is a city of festivals but very few have the incredible colour and vibrancy of Capital Pride. As the site of Canada’s first large-scale rally for gay rights almost 50 years ago, Ottawa has an important legacy to maintain, and Capital Pride is a vital part of how we share these stories with the world.”
– Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism

• Tourism represents more than two percent of Canada’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.

• The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), a two-year fund delivered by regional development agencies, helps Canada's tourism sector innovate and grow by providing targeted investments based on regional priorities.

• The new federal tourism strategy will create more than 54,000 jobs in Canada and increase economic benefits by over 25 percent.

• LGBTQ2 travellers, on average, vacation four to six times a year, versus one to two for other travellers, spend 33 percent more, and are known to return to places where they had good experiences.

• Canada already has an established reputation as one of the most LGBTQ2-friendly countries in the world, and its largest cities are routinely recognized worldwide as popular LGBTQ2 destinations.

• Approved funding is subject to the terms of a contribution agreement.

Associated links

• Tourism in Canada
• FedDev Ontario
• Capital Pride

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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