Saint John Pride President Steps Down

The president of Saint John Pride has resigned amid controversy over his participation in a rally against COVID-19 mandates.

A photo posted to social media recently showed Michael Cummings at a recent rally with People’s Party of Canada member Nicholas Pereira.

The photo unleashed a firestorm of comments from community members and sparked condemnation from Pride organizations in Fredericton and Moncton.

Sara Hubbard, interim president of Pride Saint John, said she was surprised and shocked when she was first made aware of the photo last Thursday.

“I reached out to Michael right away to kind of find out exactly what was the story was. He was reluctant to talk about it, saying he did it on his personal time and it wasn’t something to be concerned for the board about and it’ll blow over,” Hubbard said in an interview on Monday.

But by Friday morning, Hubbard said, it became clear that the board needed to address the issue right away.

Board members set up an emergency meeting for noon that day, which is when Cummings resigned from his position.

Our newsroom contacted Cummings to discuss his reasons for stepping down, but he declined an interview.

Instead, he said the resignation letter he sent to the board members would be his comment.

Cummings wrote that it has been a pleasure to volunteer on the board of Saint John Pride over the past eight years.

However, he also had a message for other leaders in the community.

“I think you for your work, but know this: cancel culture is real. They will come for you, and when they do, look out. The woke left mob gets what they want, and you can’t stop them,” wrote Cummings.

“These bullies will lie, share private conversations, twist your words and actions, and run you down. For those of you who watch and remain silent, shame on you.”

Hubbard, however, disagreed that cancel culture had anything to do with this.

“The community has a right to ask questions and ask for accountability, and he wasn’t willing to do that. He wanted to be able to have his own opinions and political affiliations and not have to feel that he has to answer to anyone,” said Hubbard.

Hubbard said the organization is now working to heal from the controversy and begin searching for a new president. They are also looking to fill a second board position which became vacant for an unrelated reason several weeks ago.

“I understand people were upset, but I think it’s time to put that aside and move forward and start healing.”