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Government of Canada supports Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ tourism sector

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

FedDev Ontario invests $150,000 in Capital Pride to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ artists and support tourism

August 22, 2022

Canada is built on the shared values of diversity, equity, optimism and personal security and is recognized globally as a welcoming destination for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (2SLGBTQ+) travellers. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting 2SLGBTQ+ organizations as they welcome back visitors to Canada to celebrate diversity, inclusion and pride.

Today, Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a non-repayable investment of $150,000 for Capital Pride. The not-for-profit organization hosts the annual Pride Festival and celebrates the rich and diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region throughout the year. With this project, Capital Pride has created and installed interactive artwork created by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community within the city. The announcement took place at Ottawa City Hall at the annual Pride flag raising hosted by Capital Pride.

This investment, through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), supports six art installations, digital projections and sculptures from 2SLGBTQ+ artists, which are being launched during the Capital Pride Festival and will be on display throughout the summer and fall, in various locations throughout Ottawa. This investment also supported the creation of a video of each installation to feature the pieces virtually and increase accessibility, as well as a corresponding marketing plan.

This investment will showcase 2SLGBTQ+ artists and highlight Ottawa as a 2SLGBTQ+-friendly tourism destination, drawing both domestic and international travellers and supporting regional economic spending. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations like Capital Pride who are working year-round to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Quotes

“Canada is known globally as a welcoming place for all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and our government has worked to make Canada a safer and more equitable place for 2SLGBTQ+ people while celebrating organizations like Capital Pride. Today’s investment will showcase 2SLGBTQ+ art and help make Ottawa a more tolerant, welcoming and diverse city where everyone can be themselves and feel proud of who they are.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Community art projects, such as the one being led by Capital Pride, boost the overall tourism experience for visitors and residents while promoting the National Capital Region as a welcoming and safe destination of choice for 2SLGBTQ+ tourists. This project will draw visitors to the region, which provides positive ripple economic benefits to local businesses, boosting jobs and revenue in the region and contribute to the overall revitalization of our downtown core.”
– Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“We are proud to launch this public art project, offering a new experience for visitors during this year’s Capital Pride Festival and highlighting the work of 2SLGBTQ+ artists and community members. We hope the installations will create new ways for the community to celebrate and reconnect.”
– Toby Whitfield, Executive Director, Capital Pride

Quick facts

  • This year’s Capital Pride Festival, which is themed “All Together Now” is taking place from August 21-28, featuring live events, including outdoor concerts, the street festival and the annual Pride Parade. Capital Pride is expecting more than 100,000 visitors to the City of Ottawa for the celebration.
  • Canada has an established reputation as one of the most welcoming 2SLGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, and its largest cities are routinely recognized worldwide as popular 2SLGBTQ+ destinations.
  • The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.
  • Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $190 million in over 180 projects in the Ottawa region, creating nearly 8,000 jobs and maintaining over 35,000 jobs. This includes over $50 million for tourism projects in the Ottawa region.

Associated links

Contacts

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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