WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is putting up new money to support Pride events and services for the LGBTQ community.

Premier Heather Stefanson says Pride Winnipeg is to receive annual grants of $250,000, which allows the organization to hire staff and offer year-round programming.

The Progressive Conservative government is also putting up $490,000 over two years to help decrease wait lists for people requiring gender-affirming care and surgical procedures.

Stefanson ran afoul of Pride Winnipeg last year when she spoke at the annual Pride rally but did not walk in the parade.

Pride Winnipeg says Stefanson is still under a one-yearban from speaking at the rally but is welcome to march in the parade this year.

Stefanson says she will walk in the parade and Families Minister Rochelle Squires will speak on behalf of the government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2023.

The Canadian Press