A massive Pride festival took over the downtown area Sunday as flocks of revellers– including all federal leaders except Stephen Harper -- took part.



The parade began at 1 p.m. and travelled along Rene-Levesque Blvd. between Guy and Sanguinet Sts. A colourful and festive affair, a moment of silence was also held at 2:45 p.m. to remember the victims of homophobia and HIV/AIDS.



In all, organizers say some about 290,000 people watched the parade as 127 groups and 3,200 marchers took part. The procession travelled east under a scorching sun, ending in a rally at Emilie-Gamelin Park.



Pride Montreal called it a success, with the week-long festivities turning into the biggest annual celebration yet, as well as what they billed as the world’s largest Francophone LGBTQ festival.



Politicians were out in full force, with representatives from all provincial and municipal parties in Montreal taking part.



While Canada has a respected track record of supporting gay rights, organizers say there is still much to be done.



Pride Montreal’s founding president Éric Pineault said he feels the needs of the LGBTQ community are not a priority for the outgoing government.



The Conservative government has significantly cut in aid to organizations working in the community in recent years, he said.



He also stressed that the Pride Week this year received $34,000 in federal funding, compared with $260,000 allocated by the Quebec government.



This year’s Pride parade co-president Candis Cayne said there are still battles to be fought for the trans community.



“We have a lot of rights we need to still fight for but the first step is to be here, be a part of everyone here and to feel embraced by you all,” she said.



NDP Leader Tom Mulcair echoed that sentiment.



“There are important issues involving bullying that still have to be taken care of,” he said. “People's records in the Armed Forces have to be corrected; a lot of them lost their jobs because of their sexual orientation.”



Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau reinforced his plan, if elected.



“Trans rights are certainly where Canada has the most work to do and the Liberal Party is a strong ally of the trans community and we will step up with the necessary legislative changes to defend everyone's rights,” he said.

LGBTQ seniors were top of mind for Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.



“We need to have housing and extended care facilities that respect relationships that are same sex and that respect the rights of LGBTQ seniors,” she said.



Several other personalities from the artistic community and trade unions, in particular, were also there to take part in the parade.





With a report from La Presse Canadienne