Stefanson Was Also A No-Show At The Pride Parade March

Stefanson’s no show, got her banned from future pride events

When Premier Heather Stefanson won the leadership race in October of 2021 to become the Manitoba PC party leader and Premier, she promised to do things differently from her predecessor Brian Pallister and, for the most part, has been true to her word.

Pride organizers believe Premier Stefanson used the Pride parade as a photo opportunity and was disappointed in her decision not to take part in the parade in March.

“Pride Winnipeg will not allow the current government to utilize the annual Pride Rally as a photo op or to take up space in our community events without walking alongside us to truly show full support for our community. We expect our political leaders to stand with our community and truly show they support the community at large.

“We are expecting an apology to not just Pride Winnipeg but to our entire 2SLGBTQ+ community at large for this gross lack of respect for our community. We deserve better.

Pride Winnipeg will not be extending an invitation to Premier Stefanson to speak at any of the 2023 Pride festivities, including the Rally, due to the blatant disrespect shown to our community.” Said Pride President Barry Karlenzig

Premier Stefanson’s office apologized to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She acknowledged her inexcusable error on scheduling conflicts and miscommunication by her staff and event organizers. It is also to note her Chief of Staff took full responsibility for Stefanson not attending the event.

Many see the premier’s absence from the parade march as a missed opportunity seeing that it was the return of Pride after a few years due to the pandemic. The following year’s Pride parade is also the year Manitobans head to the polls to elect the next Premier and government, which should have a heavy presence of political officials.