A demonstrator supporting Palestine carries a sign reading “No Pride in Genocide” during a march held after Ottawa’s annual Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 24, 2025. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
Ottawa’s Pride parade ended early Sunday after protesters blocked the route near Parliament Hill. The parade had just begun when organizers posted on social media that the event was cancelled at 2:40 p.m.
The protest was led by Queers for Palestine – Ottawa. The group said it stopped the parade with the support of the grand marshal and later released a list of demands.
Protesters Explain Demands
Queers for Palestine – Ottawa asked Capital Pride to be transparent with the community about its values. The group said Pride organizers had faced pressure to back away from showing support for Palestine and needed to address this openly.
The group also demanded apologies from officials who boycotted last year’s events. They called on these leaders to promise they would march without conditions in future parades. “We are the Village – and if you stand with us, that means standing with Palestine and with all oppressed people,” the group said.
Past Tensions
Last year’s festival sparked controversy after Capital Pride issued a statement condemning attacks by Hamas but also showing support for Palestinians. Several leaders, including the mayor, chose not to take part in events. The statement later disappeared from Pride’s website.
This year’s theme was “We Are the Village,” meant to highlight Ottawa-Gatineau’s 2SLGBTQ+ community and its shared spaces.
Capital Pride Responds
Capital Pride said organizers tried for more than an hour to resolve the situation. They held several meetings with Queers for Palestine – Ottawa but said the group refused meaningful discussion.
Organizers explained that rerouting the parade was impossible because of strict road closure permits that expired at 4 p.m. “We were left with no choice than to cancel the remainder of the parade,” Capital Pride said.
The parade began at 1 p.m. and had 175 registered groups with more than 6,000 participants. Officials announced a temporary delay at 2:14 p.m. before confirming the cancellation at 2:40 p.m.
Mayor Expresses Regret
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called the cancellation “deeply regrettable.” He said many people were denied the chance to celebrate joy, resilience, and community. “Ottawa should always be a place of inclusion, where everyone feels welcome,” he said.
The mayor also stressed the importance of standing with the 2SLGBTQ+ community during a time when rights face threats around the world. He said he was proud to attend this year’s Pride events with family, friends, and colleagues.
Rally at Confederation Park
Queers for Palestine – Ottawa and Labour for Palestine Ottawa held a rally earlier in the day at Confederation Park. The demonstration was titled “The Village Stands with Palestine.”
Despite the parade’s cancellation, Pride week events continued, with supporters gathering across the city to celebrate.
