This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

Vancouver Pride Parade 2015: Event Draws Politicians, Massive Crowds

The event is one of the biggest LGBTQ2+ events in the world, organizers say.
Darryl Dyck

Another year, another massive pride parade takes the streets of Vancouver by colourful storm.

On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the city's West End for the annual Vancouver Pride Parade.

A crowd that size made the event one of the biggest LGBTQ2+ events in the world, according to organizers.

Several politicians took part, including Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who rode down the streets on the back of a bright purple scooter.

A controversy over support for transgender protection left the BC Liberal Party out of the parade but federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau marched in the procession.

Trudeau chose to keep his commitment, rather than kick off his federal election campaign, after Conservative Leader Stephen Harper dropped the writ on Sunday morning.

Criticized for being unable to immediately comment, Trudeau said he "made a promise to half a million British Columbians," and planned to stick to his word.

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair had also planned to be in Vancouver, but cancelled to be in Ottawa after the call.

A Vancouver Pride Society study found that the parade brings an estimated $23 million into the local economy, reports The Vancouver Sun.

See more photos of the parade below:

Vancouver Pride Parade 2015

Follow Us On Instagram

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.