Canmore company apologizes after homophobic email sent to Pride

The owners of a meat shop in Canmore are in damage control mode after a homophobic email they have referred to as “intolerant” was sent to local Pride organizers.

The email from Valbella Gourmet Foods employee was in response to Canmore Pride’s request for a donation for an event coming up in September.

Images of the message have been widely shared online, with many taking a stand against the company, which has since issued an apology.

“Please accept our sincerest apologies to the entire community and know that the words of the one person do not reflect the opinions of the many people who work as part of the Valbella team. On the contrary, we strive to make our company an inclusive workplace where all are welcome,” a post, signed by owner Chantal von Rotz, on the Valbella Gourmet Foods Facebook page reads, in part.

“The individual responsible has been removed from the company and its operations.”

Valbella did not say specifically say who was “removed.” However, the email, which said members of Canmore Pride should be “disgusted with themselves,” included a signature stating the person was an owner, Jeff von Rotz.

The company says the words of one person do not reflect the Valbella team and that it will be working to ensure its members advance “the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our business and the community.”

Before the apology, many people took to social media to say they were cutting ties with Valbella over the email.

Edmonton MLA Janis Irwin was among them, saying she would not be stopping at Valbella’s the next time she’s in Canmore.

“Unbelievable. Sending love to the Canmore Pride community. You are loved and you are seen,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has also weighed in, saying it has “chosen to remove all Valbella products from company operations,” adding it will cease “any business relations.”

Following the recent communications that were made public within the Bow Valley community and Valbella Gourmet Foods today, Banff Centre has chosen to remove all Valbella products from company operations and will seize any business relations.

— Banff Centre (@banffcentre) July 26, 2022

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge added it will “no longer work with, or purchase from, Valbella.”

“We are saddened and disappointed to learn of the hateful remarks made by Valbella, particularly as we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment,” a tweet from the hotel reads.

We are saddened and disappointed to learn of the hateful remarks made by Valbella, particularly as we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: We will no longer work with, or purchase from, Valbella.

— Jasper Park Lodge (@FairmontJPL) July 27, 2022

Canmore Pride took to social media to thank people for the influx of support it had received from the community.

Members say they are offering up diversity and inclusion training in the Bow Valley for businesses to spread awareness.

“This just shows why we really need this. We do need safe spaces and we do need education.”