Ottawa’s annual Pride parade was unexpectedly cancelled on Sunday after being disrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The group, Queers for Palestine – Ottawa, had organized a rally to coincide with the event, demanding that Capital Pride renew its public solidarity with Palestinians.
A video circulating online showed a protester urging Capital Pride to restate its support for the Palestinian cause and calling on elected officials who boycotted last year’s parade to issue apologies. In 2024, several politicians and organizations pulled out of Pride events after Capital Pride released a solidarity statement with Palestinians — a message that has since been removed from the group’s website.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who was in attendance, described the disruption as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that the parade was intended to be a celebration of inclusivity and community.
The parade, which was set to march past Parliament Hill, was officially cancelled by Capital Pride shortly before 3 p.m., leaving participants and spectators disappointed as one of the city’s signature summer events came to an abrupt end.