Here are the organizations withdrawing from Ottawa Pride this year

The number of organizations and leaders in Ottawa pulling out of Capital Pride events continues to grow in response to a statement the group made expressing solidarity with Palestinians last week.

The wave of backlash began after Capital Pride issued a statement on Aug. 6 expressing solidarity with Palestinians and accusing the Israeli government for "pinkwashing" the ongoing Israel-Hamas war by citing its LGBTQ2S+ inclusivity in an effort to "draw attention away" from its actions in Gaza.

The statement condemned, "in the strongest possible terms," the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. It also pledged to "recognize the ongoing genocide against Palestinians" in opening remarks at 2024 Capital Pride Festival signature events, among other commitments.

While some organizations, such as Queers4Palestine Ottawa applauded Capital Pride for pledging to boycott Israeli companies, the statement drew considerable backlash from Jewish residents and advocacy groups such as B'nai Brith Canada and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.

It didn't take long for some local organizations and leaders to announce they were pulling out of this Sunday's parade.

Here are the organizations and leaders who have confirmed to CTV News that they will not be participating in Capital Pride events this year:

Jewish Federation of Ottawa

In a statement last week, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa said it met with the Capital Pride co-chairs to "address our serious concerns about their recent antisemitic statement."

But in a statement on Wednesday, the organization decided it would not be participating.

"While our initial meeting was positive, Capital Pride’s board has decided they are unwilling to reconsider or act on their position and make this year’s Pride events safe and inclusive for all," a statement by the organization said.

"Given Capital Pride's refusal to adjust its stance, and the significant harm this position poses to the safety of the Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and our community partners have made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from this year's Pride parade.

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa and its partner organizations are calling on Capital Pride to "reflect on the principles of unity and solidarity that Pride is meant to represent."

Liberal Party of Canada

The Liberal Party of Canada, who has participated in the Pride parade in Ottawa in the past, told CTV News it would not be participating this year.

"In light of recent decisions made by the Capital Pride board, the Liberal Party has decided not to participate in Capital Pride events this year, and instead will host our own event to celebrate Ottawa's 2SLGBTQI+ communities," said Liberal Party spokesperson Parker Lund in a statement.

Ontario Liberal Party

"As Ottawa celebrates Pride this weekend, the Ontario Liberal Party is committed to celebrating and honouring the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents of our nation’s capital," the party said in a news release.

"The statement released last week by Capital Pride, however, does not live up to the spirit of inclusion of the event or that our party believes in. That’s why, after conversations with members of our party, and members of our caucus, and our leader, the Ontario Liberal Party has made the difficult decision not to join the Ottawa Pride Parade this weekend."

"Our caucus members will celebrate Pride in their local communities this weekend."

City of Ottawa

A memo from city manager Wendy Stephanson said city staff will not be participating as an official contingent in the parade, but will retain operational and support for the event on Sunday.

"Following the Aug. 6 statement issued by the Capital Pride Board, which took a position on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, some city staff and members of the community have expressed that they now feel excluded, unwelcome or unsafe to participate in this year's parade," Stephanson said.

"The senior leadership team has taken this feedback seriously, and after careful consideration, I, as City Manager, have made the difficult decision to not have City staff participate as an official contingent in this year’s parade. As public servants we have a duty of impartiality, and it is our shared responsibility to prevent the perception that the City administration is taking a political position. Withdrawing from the parade ensures that we uphold our commitment to impartial public service, while maintaining our deep-rooted values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging."

Stephanson says the float designated for elected officials will remain part of the parade.

It will be the first year in more than 25 years that City of Ottawa employees will not participate as an organization in the parade.

Ottawa Public Health said its staff would be present at the parade.

"Like previous years, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) employees from our Mental Health and Substance Use Health team, Community Engagement team, and Sexual Health team will be onsite over the weekend and during the parade providing free naloxone training and kits, MPOX vaccinations, mental health and sexual health resources & service," a statement said.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)

Eastern Ontario's largest school board (OCDSB) said in a statement on Monday afternoon that it will not be participating in this year's Pride parade.

"Ahead of this year’s Capital Pride, organizers of the parade issued a statement concerning events in the Middle East. In response to this statement, some members of the community have expressed feeling unsafe and unwelcome. For an event seeking to promote equity and inclusion, the impact of this decision sadly runs counter to what we have always embraced about Pride," the school board said.

"As a result, we have come to the difficult decision that the District will not participate in the parade this year. "

The issue is likely to be discussed at a special board meeting on Monday evening.

"We know that the decision not to participate will be upsetting to some members of our community. Indeed, we deeply regret that we will not be there to showcase our pride," the board said.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said last week that he was disappointed to see Capital Pride stand behind its original statement.

"This decision by the board, days before the start of Pride, has unfortunately created an atmosphere where many now do not feel welcome to participate. Pride has always been and should continue to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion where no one feels excluded for who they are. I encourage the board of Capital Pride to take steps to ensure no one feels excluded this year," he wrote on social media.

"I will be attending Pride activities in the days ahead but unless there is a change in approach, I will not be participating in events organized by Capital Pride this year," he said.

CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario)

In a memo sent to staff at CHEO obtained by CTV News Ottawa, CHEO president and CEO Alex Munter says the children's hospital is a welcoming place for all, no matter who they love or what they believe, and that Capital Pride's statement conflicts with those values.

"Instead of focusing on what brings us together in support of 2SLGBTQ+ people, or even what might bring us together in calling for peace in the Middle East, the Committee chose to repurpose the Pride Parade to protest Israel. As a result, we are hearing from members of both the CHEO and broader communities that they no longer feel safe or welcome to attend," Munter wrote.

"Having CHEO participate in this year’s Pride Parade under these circumstances would send a message of exclusion, which is the opposite of what we believe. Sadly therefore, there won't be an official CHEO contingent in this year’s Pride Parade. This should not be construed as taking a stance on an international issue. This is about supporting inclusivity and safety for our colleagues, families and volunteers."

The Ottawa Hospital

Cameron Love, the president and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital issued a statement to staff on Friday.

"After detailed and thoughtful discussions with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Council and Pride Community@TOH, we have made the very difficult decision to withdraw from this year's Capital Pride Parade. This decision did not come lightly, and we are heartbroken that we will not be there to celebrate," Love wrote in the email obtained by CTV News Ottawa.

"Inclusivity and supporting all communities we serve is very important to us as a hospital, as is the safety of any TOH staff/physician, and patient. We feel it would not be responsible for us to send staff, physicians, their family and friends, as well as patients to this event."

Love wrote that the hospital would continue to discuss other ways to support and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the year.

Montfort Hospital

The Montfort Hospital in Ottawa's east end serves the city's francophone community.

The hospital said in a statement to CTV News that it will not be participating this year.

"As a hospital, we have a duty to be a care environment, and an employer, where everyone feels welcome and safe. We were looking forward to participating in the Pride Parade; a first for Montfort. However, in light of recent developments, we are postponing our participation to a future edition," said Montfort Hospital's president and CEO Dominic Giroux.

Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre said it would not be participating in the Pride parade this year.

"In celebration of love, liberty and freedom for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, The Royal has been part of the Pride Parade for many years. The Parade presents an opportunity for The Royal to show 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals that their wellbeing matters and that they are loved and welcomed in our care. While deeply rooted in activism, Pride has always embodied a spirit of inclusion and embraced people from all cultures, backgrounds and identities. Capital Pride has now taken a deliberate political stance on a very complex and divisive international conflict. As a result, the tone and tenor of this years event has changed dramatically and many members of our community now feel excluded or unsafe attending the Parade," the centre said in a statement.

"The Royal condemns all forms of violence and is profoundly committed to inclusivity and diversity. We are deeply concerned about Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, and all other forms of hate, including the ongoing discrimination faced by our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We take care of people from every race, religion, national origin and community; it is essential that everyone who needs our help feels comfortable, welcomed, and safe. Upholding this inclusivity in our actions is not just our duty but an ethical obligation to those we serve. As such, Capital Pride’s controversial position leaves us no real choice, and while it has been a heart wrenching decision, we are withdrawing from this year’s Pride Parade."

Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)

The Conseil des ecoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) is Ottawa's French Catholic school board representing over 27,000 students and 3,000 staff.

The board said in a letter to parents that it has participated in the parade for six years, but would be withdrawing from this year's event.

"A few days ago, the Capital Pride organizing committee released a statement taking a position on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This position, despite the initially inclusive event, sends a message of exclusion which does not correspond to the deep values of the CECCE," said director of education for CECCE Marc Bertrand in French.

"As a school board, we are committed to promoting a culture of inclusion where every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin or religion, feels respected and valued. Participating in this parade, in the current context, could send a message contrary to our principles and our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion."

Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO)

CEPEO, the public French-language school board in Ottawa, says in a statement it has been "proud" to support the Ottawa Pride parade for many years.

"In recent weeks, Capital Pride has taken a stance on the Middle East conflict that deviates from the parade's purpose, which is meant to be a unifying event for the 2ELGBTQIA+ community and its allies. We are saddened by this conflict, and our hearts go out to all those suffering because of it," the school board said.

"To ensure harmony and respect for our diverse school communities and avoid safety risks for our participants, the CEPEO has made the exceptional decision to withdraw its sponsorship and cancel its corporate participation in the parade."

Ottawa Tourism

"Ottawa Tourism as an organization will not be marching in the 2024 Capital Pride Parade," a spokesperson said in an email.

Loblaw

Capital Pride lists Loblaw as one of the event's "silver" sponsors on its website. In a statement, Loblaw said it will not be participating in the parade, but did not further clarify its status as a sponsor.

"Given the recent tension around the Ottawa pride parade, for the safety of our colleagues we’ve decided not to participate in the event. That said, we remain a strong supporter of the LGBTQ2S+ community in Ottawa and across the country and will continue to demonstrate our commitment," the company said in an email.

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa said in a statement that it is "committed to fostering a space of respect and inclusion for all."

"In light of recent statements made by Capital Pride, the University has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2024 Capital Pride Parade. The statements do not align with the University’s broader mission and values," said uOttawa spokesperson Jesse Robichaud in an email.

"This decision does not change our enthusiasm and commitment toward celebrating Pride and supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community on our campuses and throughout our region."

Algonquin College

Algonquin College announced on Thursday it would not be participating in the Capital Pride parade.

"Algonquin College has participated in the annual Ottawa Capital Pride parade for many years. We deeply value the mission of Pride to support and advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and as a celebration of diversity where no one feels excluded. We were hopeful that following the statement being issued (by Capital Pride), various community stakeholder discussions with Capital Pride might lead to a path forward where everyone would feel safe and welcome at this year's parade," Claude Brule, president and CEO, of Algonquin College said.

"Unfortunately, at this point, we are concerned that the inclusion, safety and wellbeing of individuals cannot be assured. In this atmosphere, the College cannot attend this year's Capital Pride parade and will not be participating in an official capacity."

Carleton University

Carleton Universtiy confirmed to CTV News Ottawa on Thursday that it would not be participating in the Capital Pride parade.

"Carleton University is a caring and inclusive community, and we stand in solidarity with Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community to promote understanding, empathy and inclusion. The board of Capital Pride’s position and statement on the conflict between Israel and Hamas has hurt many members of our community and they do not feel safe or welcome to attend or participate in official events.

"While there has been much great energy and planning towards our involvement in Capital Pride, sadly Carleton University will be withdrawing its official participation in this year’s Pride Parade. This of course does not limit any community members' participation in Capital Pride activities, however Carleton’s official parade spots have been released.

"We acknowledge and grieve the tremendous human suffering and loss of life resulting from the ongoing crisis. Pride has always been and should continue to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion where no one feels excluded for who they are.

"The decision to not participate this year was not taken lightly and it should not be interpreted as taking a stance or position on a global issue – this is about supporting inclusivity and safety for our community. We encourage respectful discussions to foster learning and growth, and a community where all feel heard, valued and included, and we will continue to identify ways to support and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the year.

U.S Embassy in Ottawa

U.S. ambassador to Canada David Cohen told CTV News Ottawa that he and the American embassy in Ottawa will not be formally participating in the parade.

"We’re not comfortable with statements made by capital pride. As an institution and embassy we will not participating in the parade," Cohen said.

"We did sign the Diplomats for Equality statement. We think it’s important that statement speaks to gay Pride. That’s what we are here for – to support our colleagues."

Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada said the demonstrations and counter-protests at Pride events in other cities has led to safety concerns for employees.

"For this reason, the Bank made the difficult decision to withdraw its corporate participation from this year’s Capital Pride parade. The Bank will hold an internal celebration of Pride next week. The Bank is committed to participating in Capital Pride in the future, under safer circumstances," the central bank said in a statement.

Public Service Pride Network (PSPN)

The Public Service Pride Network (PSPN) represents 2SLGBTQIA+ employees in the federal public service.

The organization said in an email to employees that it will not be participating in the parade and will be celebrating with events organized by PSPN.

"Having heard a lot of thoughts and concerns about this year's Capital Pride, the Public Service Pride Network (PSPN) wants to focus on inclusive, safe and people-centred events that celebrate our pride in our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities," the organization said.

Giant Tiger

Retail chain Giant Tiger said in a statement it has chosen to withdraw from Capital Pride events this year.

"At Giant Tiger we are proud to be a retailer that is squarely focused on making a tangible difference in the communities we are proud to serve. After careful and thoughtful consideration, Giant Tiger has decided to withdraw from this year’s Capital Pride events.

"As a company, we have always stood for inclusivity, diversity, and equality. We believe in bringing our communities together to have meaningful discussions that spark positive change. We have been proud to support Capital Pride for many years. Recent decisions made by the event organizers have raised concerns that the celebrations are not keeping with the spirit of inclusivity and allyship that we strive for. We have engaged with Capital Pride to express our concerns.

"Our decision is deeply rooted in our commitment to ensuring that our support remains genuine, focused, and true to our community principles. We remain dedicated to supporting and uplifting voices and causes in ways that align with our principles of inclusivity, unity, and allyship."

NDP, Greens, German Embassy still plan to attend

The New Democratic Party of Canada still plans to attend Capital Pride, stating its intent is to show people, "especially young 2SLGBTQ people, in Ottawa and across the country that we see them and support them."

"The NDP has been absolutely unequivocally clear in our position on the Israel-Hamas war. We continue to advocate vocally for a ceasefire, for the safe return of all hostages, for humanitarian aid, and for actions that will bring justice, peace and safety for everyone in the region," said a spokesperson in a statement.

The German Embassy in Ottawa confirmed in an email that it will be participating in the parade, but said in a post on X last week that it would not support "delegitimizing" Israel or promote BDS efforts.

"Pride events have to be a safe and supportive space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people and should not to be misused for other political purposes," the embassy said.

The embassy says staff will be marching with Diplomats for Equality.

The federal and provincial Green Party will be participating and said they are "disheartened" by the decision of The Ottawa Hospital, Sutcliffe and others.

"We respect the right of the facilitating body of Capital Pride to make statements regarding complex political issues such as the Palestine-Israel conflict, particularly those aligned with the United Nations Charter of Human Rights. However, we believe that decisions impacting our communities in Ottawa, particularly those historically vulnerable and marginalised, must be made with the utmost care," read a joint statement from Ottawa-area Green Party riding association presidents and CEO's.

"Pride has always stood for liberation of all Queer people. We are troubled by the statements made by Mayor Sutcliffe equating the Pride committees call for a permanent ceasefire and recognition of the state of Israel's documented war crimes with causing hurt and distress for many members of the Jewish community."

CTV News has also reached out to other organizations, including sponsors, on whether they will be participating in the Capital Pride Events.

The annual Capital Pride Festival kicked off this weekend, and is set to conclude with the parade on Sunday.

With files from CTV News' Rachel Aiello and Ted Raymond

This story will be updated