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Canada’s Conservatives have a proud history of fighting for the rights and protection of all Canadians, including those in the LGBTQ community, at home and abroad

“While Mr. Scheer does not plan to march in the Toronto Pride Parade, he will continue to stand up against hatred and discrimination in all its forms.” Schow clarified there are no plans for Scheer to attend Pride events in other cities, such as in Regina, where he is an MP. Former prime minister Stephen Harper also did not attend Pride events.

Pride Toronto would not comment on Scheer’s decision but had said in a statement this week it was disappointed Ford wouldn’t attend. “Premier Ford is the elected leader for all Ontarians, and the Toronto Pride Parade is one of North America’s largest Pride Festivals, and a signature event for Toronto and Ontario,” the statement said. “We all must bring more openness to these important conversation for this community if we are going to move forward.”

Scheer summed up his general position in a recent immigration speech: “I find the notion that one’s race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation would make anyone in any way superior or inferior to anybody else absolutely repugnant. And if there’s anyone who disagrees with that, there’s the door.”

Photo by David Bloom

Still, he has continued to face scrutiny on social conservative issues, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals trying to make a domestic political issue of challenges to abortion rights in the United States. Scheer has not hidden his personal views, his Christianity or that he is pro-life. He has a “perfect” voting record on such issues, including voting against legalizing gay marriage in 2005, according to the Campaign Life Coalition, a group that primarily advocates against abortion but also opposes homosexuality.