Ford’s appearance surprises York Pride organizers
Premier Doug Ford marched alongside police in the York Region Pride parade Saturday — surprising organizers of the event.
“York Pride was not aware Mr. Ford was attending or marching in our parade today,” they said in a statement to the Star. “We found out that the premier was attending from news agencies calling York Pride for statements.”
York Pride said Ford arrived moments before the parade started. The premier tweeted that he was “thrilled” to attend the parade with health minister and Newmarket-Aurora MPP Christine Elliott, attorney general and York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney, and KingVaughan MPP Stephen Lecce.
“It was an honour to march alongside our (York Regional Police) men and women to celebrate inclusion and equality,” Ford wrote.
The Pride march organizers also said that they strive to have a family-friendly parade with no political agenda. “York Pride celebrate with those who share our values of inclusivity, kindness, and respect for all.”
Ford’s involvement in the Newmarket event comes after he said last week that he would participate in some Pride month events. But the premier has said he won’t go to the Toronto Pride parade next weekend because of a decision to prevent uniformed police officers from marching in it.
Uniformed officers were first banned from that parade in 2017 over concerns of racial profiling.
“If he hasn’t done so already, I wish that Doug Ford looks to educate himself on the differences in the history and relationships of each police service’s respective community,” said Tristan Coolman, president of York Region’s chapter of PFlag, a community charity.