The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, affectionately known as Caribana, is not just a parade; it’s a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, embodying themes of resistance, freedom, and pride. For many masqueraders, it provides a vital connection to their cultural roots. However, this year has seen a significant drop in participation, raising concerns about the future of the event.
The leaders of five major bands in Toronto reported a dramatic decrease in participation this year. Two band leaders noted a 40% drop in registration compared to 2023, while another reported a 53% decline. This unprecedented drop has left many wondering why so many are choosing to skip North America’s largest Caribbean cultural festival.
Jahlyssa W., a long-time masquerader of Trinbagonian and Barbadian descent, shares her love for playing mas, which makes her feel alive and connected to West Indian culture. Despite the increasing costs, she continued to participate, saying she feels lost if she’s in the city and doesn’t play mas. However, this year was her last. Jahlyssa experienced several issues, including receiving a costume in the wrong size and not getting the promised outstanding piece before the Grand Parade.
Many participants have voiced concerns about the growing costs associated with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Tanya Hayles, founder of Black Moms Connection in Toronto, recounts her first time playing mas in 2015 as a beautiful and inclusive experience. At that time, her costume cost no more than $300, which was reasonable given her income. However, the current costs are considered unreasonable by many.
The prices of costumes vary depending on the band and the level of the costume. Backline costumes average around $390, midline costumes around $650, and frontline costumes over $1,200. Some bands offer more affordable options, but the overall trend shows rising costs.
In addition to rising costs, participants have criticized the quality of services provided during the parade. Hayles mentioned inadequate hydration stations, food, and customer service as significant issues. She pointed out that for the money spent, she could have a more rewarding experience at international Carnivals in the Caribbean.
Courtney Allen, of Jamaican and Trinidadian descent, also decided to quit the Toronto Caribbean Carnival after 2022. She cited rising costume prices, the loss of inclusivity, and safety concerns due to stormers—people who join the parade without costumes and often cause disruptions. Allen noted that during her time at Trinidad’s Carnival, she witnessed better security and management of stormers.
Mischka Crichton, CEO of The Festival Management Committee, acknowledged the feedback and emphasized the efforts to increase security and public education. However, she also pointed out the financial challenges faced by the event due to rising material costs and insufficient funding from government and private sponsors. Despite the significant economic impact of the Carnival, funding has not kept pace with rising costs, affecting the overall quality and affordability of the event.
Dwayne Gunness, bandleader of Sunlime Mas, has been active in the Toronto Carnival scene for over three decades. He attributes the decline in registrations to the rising costs of the economy and masqueraders finding value elsewhere. Gunness emphasized the importance of quality control and customer service, noting that his band has managed to stay off the radar of negativity by maintaining high standards.
Gunness highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on material costs, which have doubled in price. Despite this, Sunlime Mas offered a college-level costume option for Gen-Z masqueraders at an affordable price, aiming to keep the event inclusive.
Crichton mentioned that the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is the only Caribbean Carnival providing financial support to Mas Bands. This support, along with infrastructure and logistical assistance, helps alleviate some financial burdens on band leaders. However, the rising costs and lack of funding continue to be significant challenges.
Participants like Jahlyssa and Allen suggested several improvements that could encourage repeat participation, including lower costs, loyalty programs, better security, and improved services. They also emphasized the need for transparency from bands and a focus on maintaining the inclusive spirit of Carnival.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is at a crossroads. While it remains a significant cultural event, rising costs and service issues have led to a decline in participation. Addressing these challenges is crucial to preserving the event’s legacy and ensuring it remains a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture. For many, the Carnival is more than just a parade; it’s a connection to their heritage and a celebration of their identity.
Demands for government intervention in Air Canada labour talks could negatively affect airline competition in Canada, the CEO of travel company Transat AT Inc. said.
“The extension of such an extraordinary intervention to Air Canada would be an undeniable competitive advantage to the detriment of other Canadian airlines,” Annick Guérard told analysts on an earnings conference call on Thursday.
“The time and urgency is now. It is time to restore healthy competition in Canada,” she added.
Air Canada has asked the federal government to be ready to intervene and request arbitration as early as this weekend to avoid disruptions.
Comments on the potential Air Canada pilot strike or lock out came as Transat reported third-quarter financial results.
Guérard recalled Transat’s labour negotiations with its flight attendants earlier this year, which the company said it handled without asking for government intervention.
The airline’s 2,100 flight attendants voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate and twice rejected tentative deals before approving a new collective agreement in late February.
As the collective agreement for Air Transat pilots ends in June next year, Guérard anticipates similar pressure to increase overall wages as seen in Air Canada’s negotiations, but reckons it will come out “as a win, win, win deal.”
“The pilots are preparing on their side, we are preparing on our side and we’re confident that we’re going to come up with a reasonable deal,” she told analysts when asked about the upcoming negotiations.
The parent company of Air Transat reported it lost $39.9 million or $1.03 per diluted share in its quarter ended July 31. The result compared with a profit of $57.3 million or $1.49 per diluted share a year earlier.
Revenue totalled $736.2 million, down from $746.3 million in the same quarter last year.
On an adjusted basis, Transat says it lost $1.10 per share in its latest quarter compared with an adjusted profit of $1.10 per share a year earlier.
It attributed reduced revenues to lower airline unit revenues, competition, industry-wide overcapacity and economic uncertainty.
Air Transat is also among the airlines facing challenges related to the recall of Pratt & Whitney turbofan jet engines for inspection and repair.
The recall has so far grounded six aircraft, Guérard said on the call.
“We have agreed to financial compensation for grounded aircraft during the 2023-2024 period,” she said. “Alongside this financial compensation, Pratt & Whitney will provide us with two additional spare engines, which we intend to monetize through a sell and lease back transaction.”
Looking ahead, the CEO said she expects consumer demand to remain somewhat uncertain amid high interest rates.
“We are currently seeing ongoing pricing pressure extending into the winter season,” she added. Air Transat is not planning on adding additional aircraft next year but anticipates stability.
“(2025) for us will be much more stable than 2024 in terms of fleet movements and operation, and this will definitely have a positive effect on cost and customer satisfaction as well,” the CEO told analysts.
“We are more and more moving away from all the disruption that we had to go through early in 2024,” she added.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.
