Premier Tim Houston says he did not attend the Halifax Pride Parade because of potential security risks.

The RCMP warned the premier should not attend out of concern for the premier’s safety and for people in the parade or watching.

In an emailed statement, the premier said he did not attend “out of an abundance of caution,” but this does not diminish his support for the community.

“I have always said, no matter who you are, who you love or how you identify, there is a place for you in this province and you deserve to live without fear and intimidation,” Houston wrote.

His government is working on the first 2SLGBTQIA+ action plan in Canada, which he says is proof 2SLGBTQI+ Nova Scotians are important to their government. He also references the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, unveiled by his government last year.

A government spokesperson, Michelle Stevens, said the government does not not “provide insight or details” related to the security of the premier. Participating in the parade is organized by the Progressive Conservative Party, not the government, so she deferred to the party for further comment. Our newsroom has reached out.

RCMP spokesperson Guillaume Tremblay said in an email that the advice provided, that Houston should not attend, was based on “environmental scans and threat assessments.” This time, they advised Houston based on “international events” and local protests.

“If the Premier had attended the parade, the RCMP believes that a disruption could have occurred, increasing the risk to the public’s safety and to himself.”

A video posted on social media shows pro-Palestine protesters blocking the street for the last few floats and groups, who were approaching the end of the parade. The parade eventually changes direction and heads down a different road.

A Halifax Regional Police spokesperson said there was a group of protesters there, but they were “dealt with by parade organizers.” They said police weren’t involved and differed any furth comment to the event organizers.

Our newsroom has reached out to Halifax Pride.