Canmore’s Valbella outlines steps to make amends after transphobic Pride email

Valbella Gourmet Foods, the Canmore company at the centre of controversy after a transphobic email to Pride organizers, is trying to undo some of the damage.

A statement posted on the company’s Facebook page Thursday outlines some of the steps it is taking in an effort to make amends.

This comes after a homophobic email Valbella later referred to as “intolerant” was sent to local Pride organizers by someone believed to be an owner of the company.

Valbella says it’s begun to reach out to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in recent days to “express our most sincere apologies.”

“We are reaching out to experts from the LGBTQ+ community to implement new training and education,” the Facebook post reads, in part.

The company adds it is undertaking a thorough review of internal policies and will be implementing a new equity, diversity, and inclusion policy while making other supports for staff available.

“Our priority is regaining the community’s trust. We are working on a more detailed plan focused on meaningful actions.”

A number of companies have pulled their business dealings with Valbella Meats in recent days in the wake of the controversial email.

Related Articles:

• Canmore reinforces tolerance, values after business’ transphobic email

• Canmore company apologizes after homophobic email sent to Pride

In an initial apology sent Tuesday, Valbella noted that the person responsible for the email was “removed” from the company and 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.