Letter Request
July 24th, 2019
Dear Pride Parade Organizers,
I write to you in support of both the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Public Library and their participation in the parade.
I am personally requesting that you reconsider your position and allow these two institutions to participate in this year's festivities.
From reports and conversations with some involved, I understand that the reason they were banned was because these two institutions were used as venues for speakers with dissenting opinions. I find that troubling on two fronts.
Firstly, we may all disagree with these speakers and what they stand for, but that is not the issue. Intellectual freedom and freedom of speech are hallmarks of our Canadian society and both need to be protected - precisely when it's unpopular and difficult to do so. Being principled and standing up for our beliefs and then fighting for them is what moves us forward. There was a time when advocating for gay rights was a dissenting opinion in this country. Thankfully that dissenting opinion was heard.
Secondly, publicly funded learning institutions have an obligation to rent out their space to speakers or groups as long as their speech remains inside the limits of the law. It is simply not fair to punish them for doing what they are obligated to do.
The LGBTQ+ community has come a long way - which makes me proud, both as a politician and as a Canadian who supports the community wholeheartedly. Both UBC and the VPL have a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights in addition to the aspirations of others ill-treated by society. It would be a shame not to allow them to participate.
I encourage you to review and update your inclusivity and opinion diversity guidelines for participation.
I can be reached anytime to discuss this important matter on my direct line (604)-690-7767 or by email at [email protected].
Yours Sincerely,
David Cavey CPC Candidate - Vancouver Centre
Withdrawal Letter
July, 29th, 2019
Dear Vancouver Pride Society,
With a heavy heart I am writing to inform your organization that neither I nor the CPC Vancouver Centre Electoral District Association (EDA) will be participating in this year’s Pride Parade on August 4th. We are respectfully withdrawing our marching unit.
While it was a difficult decision to make, we proudly stand in solidarity with both UBC and the Vancouver Public Library on inclusivity, opinion diversity, and intellectual freedom.
Our action follows my private July 24th letter to your organization imploring you to reconsider your ban on both respected institutions. I received no reply.
We are always going to have times where people disagree and have strong dissenting opinions. These disagreements contribute to our robust democracy. It is important that we are inclusive and do not shut people out because they simply allow debates on important topics. This is especially true precisely when others disagree with us.
I also feel it is equally important that these publicly funded institutions are not punished for fulfilling their legal obligation to rent out their facilities. Their neutrality and value to our society should be applauded, not punished.
I am, and will continue to be, a wholehearted supporter of pride’s goals. I also will continue to be a steadfast supporter of the incredibly diverse LGBTQ+ community. The same can be said for our local EDA.
We hope to participate in the parade next year, and the years following, based upon a review and update of your inclusivity and opinion diversity guidelines.
We wish you all the best and a happy and safe pride for everyone.
Yours Sincerely,
David Cavey CPC Candidate - Vancouver Centre
Jeremy Ingoldby President, CPC EDA - Vancouver Centre