This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Although there are only six months left in Toronto’s municipal election, the organizers of this year’s Easter parade in an east-end neighbourhood have decided not to invite any politician or mayoral candidate. A statement issued by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club stated that elected officials and mayoral candidates are not invited to march in the April 20 parade because organizers want the focus to be on the event itself and families, and not on the candidates campaigning for votes.
According to the Parade director, Keith Begley, the Lions Club is not affiliated with any political party but still it has a tradition of involving politicians who represent local ridings or wards. However, he alleged that this will be the first time the invitation will not be sent to sitting politicians, while the parade has never welcomed mayoral candidates. Begley added that Mayor Rob Ford’s office and representatives for mayoral candidates contacted organizers last week to ask if they could participate in the parade, but were all refused.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Mayor Ford stated that he got to know about the club’s decision in a news report in the morning but hasn’t received a formal “non-invite” notice though he received an invitation earlier. The mayor added that he respects the decision and will not attend the parade. According to a statement issued by Mr. Ford, he alleged that “they don’t want to turn it political and I understand that. It’s a service club, it’s for the kids and I respect their decision.”
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