Manitoba Government Celebrates Brandon Pride

Press Release

June 8, 2026

Provincial Investment of $33,000 Will Enhance Programming and Events: Simard

The Manitoba government is investing $33,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to support Brandon Pride, a community organization that hosts events and partners with allied and queer-owned businesses to raise awareness and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Westman region, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.

“Our government is proud to support Brandon Pride as it continues building safer, healthier and more inclusive communities across Westman,” said Simard. “This investment strengthens the vital work that uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ Manitobans, creates welcoming spaces and ensures people of all identities feel seen, valued and supported. Our government proudly supports local pride celebrations in Manitoba and is committed to investing in a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong and to thrive.”

The funding will be used to develop and deliver enhanced programs and events including the 2026 Pride celebrations for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their friends and allies, the minister noted.

“We are grateful for the support that Brandon Pride has received from the Manitoba government,” said Nora Wilson, chair, Brandon Pride. “This grant has allowed us to present a truly incredible week of events for our city and the Westman region. Brandon Pride, and the larger Pride movement, are about celebrating everybody’s right to define themselves and to live authentically. 2SLGBTQIA+ people belong to every community across Manitoba. We are your neighbours, coworkers and family members. Who we love and how we express ourselves may be different, but ultimately, we value peace, togetherness and community.”

Notable 2026 Brandon Pride events include:

Pride Cafe meetup, Monday, June 8, 5 to 8 p.m., Chez Angela Bakery and Café, 29C 10th St.;
Pride in Solidarity with Brandon and District Labour Council, Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Lorne Watson Recital Hall;
Queeraoke, Wednesday, June 10, 7:30 to 11 p.m., Black Wheat Brewing;
Making Our Mark III gallery opening, Thursday, June 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba;
Flag-raising and proclamation ceremony, Friday, June 12, 10 to 10:30 a.m., Brandon City Hall;
Pride in the Park, Saturday, June 13, 4:30 to 10 p.m., Riverbank Discovery Centre; and
Pride rally and march, Sunday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Brandon City Hall.

By working with local resource providers such as the Sexual Education Resource Centre, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the Manitoba Pride Alliance and the Westman Empowerment Fund, Brandon Pride creates safer spaces and inclusive environments for individuals of all backgrounds. The organization also helps vulnerable 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals with resources and information on how to access crisis lines, mental health resources and youth resources, the minister noted.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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