HALIFAX – The Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, was absent from the recent Halifax Pride parade, continuing a pattern from the previous year when he also did not attend this significant LGBTQ+ celebration, which is recognized as the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada. This year’s event took place on Saturday, July 21, 2025.

Fiona Kerr, the executive director of Halifax Pride, explained that the Progressive Conservative Party did not take part in the parade due to a late registration, which resulted in all available float spots being filled. The absence of Houston raises questions about the political representation at Pride events, particularly since other major parties were present.

Catherine Klimek, a spokesperson for Premier Houston's office, confirmed that the Progressive Conservative Party had been on the wait-list to join the Saturday parade. However, she did not clarify whether the Premier made an attempt to participate with another group’s float. This detail remains significant as it highlights the level of engagement, or lack thereof, from the Premier’s office with the LGBTQ+ community during this important event.

Tim Houston’s absence is notably not the first. He previously missed last year’s Pride parade, citing warnings from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about possible disruptions from protesters. This pattern of avoidance raises concerns among community members about the government's commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

The last occasion when Houston did participate in the Halifax Pride parade was in 2022. The following year, in 2023, the event was canceled, eliminating any possibility for his participation. This year, the absence of the Progressive Conservatives leaves them as the only major political party not represented at the parade, contrasting sharply with the presence of Nova Scotia’s New Democratic Party and Liberal Party, both of which showcased floats during the celebration.

In an interesting twist, Klimek mentioned that instead of attending the Pride events, Premier Houston chose to spend his Saturday at an annual stock car race held in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This decision further emphasizes a perceived disengagement from LGBTQ+ community events, which some might interpret as a lack of support.

The significance of political representation at Pride events cannot be overstated, as these parades serve not only as a celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and culture but also as a platform for advocacy and visibility for rights and equality. The absence of Houston and the Progressive Conservative Party raises questions about their support for LGBTQ+ initiatives and community engagement, as political leaders are often expected to show solidarity, especially during significant cultural events.