Mayor Bob Wade and city council won't be marching in
the annual parade. The Hamilton and District Labour Council, which
organizes the event, did not invite the municipal politicians after
they rejected its grant request to help defray costs.
"There is no animosity," said Wayne Marston, Labour Council president.
"Our folks thought that if you're not supportive of our
parade, then why should we invite you?"
The labour group applies to the city of Hamilton for
a grant every year to help cover the $10,000 cost
of the parade, which features floats and vehicles. Local unions
and labour organizations march along the way. The mayor and
city council are usually invited to march because of their
contribution.
Most of the money comes from affiliated unions. Usually the
city kicks in $1,000, but this spring the council was
told it didn't qualify for a grant.
"As a courtesy, I told the mayor we wouldn't be
inviting him to march in the parade," Marston said.
Wade couldn't be reached for comment, but Ward 1 Councillor
Marvin Caplan, who's marched in the parade in the past,
said he was very disappointed.
"There may not be any ill will but it's certainly
not building any good will," he said. "It's a bit
surprising and disappointing."
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