After former Prime Minister Brian Pallister spoke at a Pride rally without attending the 2019 parade, Pride organizers implemented a policy that all leaders invited to speak should also walk in the parade. After many meetings with her staff, it was found that the new prime minister could speak before the parade, which she did. Organizers say they were told she would walk at least two-thirds of the way after her speech, but she did not. Pride president Barry Karlenzig says he feels they were lied to about a photo opportunity. “Why is this group telling me one thing and then the prime minister has the audacity to do exactly what the previous prime minister did?” said Karlenzig. “Even after many meetings with this office saying that this can not happen or they will not be allowed to walk. So now they have done what we told them not to do. It is not a guest of time. Period.” In a statement, Stephenson said she was unable to attend the parade due to programming disputes and that there was poor communication between staff and organizers. “I want to sincerely apologize to Pride Winnipeg and the 2SLGBTQ + community for not being able to participate in the course of Sunday’s events,” he said. “I hope this mistake is an opportunity to chart a new course forward based on respect and common goals to build a more inclusive and prosperous Manitoba.” Karlenzing spoke Wednesday night with Stephenson’s chief of staff, who said the omission was his fault, but Karlenzing said he blamed the prime minister. A spokesman for Stephenson said the prime minister had planned three events for the day of the parade. In a statement, the prime minister said she was looking forward to meeting with Pride Winnipeg’s executive “to build a better relationship”.
