Mayor Rob Ford gets some special thanks from Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival.

Feathered and sequined revelers joined politicians at the launch of Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival.
By Gerald V. Paul

Government money was flying about at the official launch Tuesday of Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival.

But while Toronto Councillor Joe Mihevc told The Camera at the launch at Nathan Phillips Square “we are thankful for all the levels of government for funding for the Scotiabank Toronto Carnival, including the down payment by the feds of $81,000,” he later told the crowd it’s time for the province and federal government to match the city’s contribution of almost $600,000 plus costs for police, ambulance and other municipal services.

“Time to step up to the plate and match the city and province in a one, third, one third, one third (funding formula),” Mihevc, a leading carnival proponent, later said from the podium to loud cheers.

Mihevc congratulated all the mas bands, pan and calypso contributors and stressed diversity and inclusion as they continue to work hard. Later, Mayor Rob Ford presented a proclamation at the launch.

Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver was on hand to boast of the one-million-plus tourists in the largest carnival outside of the Caribbean, generating over $400 million, and offered $81,000 to help the festival.

A concerned Mihevc saw it not as a hand up but more as a hand out with much to be desired. He repeated this clarion call during the media launch of the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival at the Ontario Science Centre.

In an interview with The Camera, Oliver cited the federal budget regarding the limited funding.

Upcoming activities include: the Junior Carnival Parade, onJuly 19, from 11:a.m. at Neilson Park, Scarborough; the Festival Cup Match, also July 19, for the Caribbean Carnival Cup between Canada Wolverines and Jamaica at Lamport Stadium, starting at 7:30 p.m. and a free Community Picnic on July 24 at 12 p.m. at Lamport Stadium Parkette.

  carnival, carnival Scotiabank, Mayor Ford