Pride Toronto is repaying over $505,000 in grant funding to the federal government after an audit by KPMG revealed a lack of documentation for completed projects. Executive Director Kojo Modeste acknowledged the past issues but emphasized the organization’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Measures implemented include retaining financial records for seven years and requiring board members and executives to approve all payments. The funds in question involve grants from Public Safety Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage for LGBTQ+ safety strategies, bilingual tools, and Indigenous two-spirit artwork.
Despite criticisms, the Department of Canadian Heritage is satisfied with Pride Toronto’s response to the audit. Tom Hooper, a York University professor, initially raised concerns and advocated for a reevaluation of Pride Toronto’s governance to prioritize accountability to the LGBTQ+ communities they serve.
Hooper suggests the refunded money should directly benefit these communities and impacted Indigenous and two-spirit artists, rather than returning it to the government.
