Canmore Folk Fest sees pushback after they cut ties with Valbella Gourmet Foods

The Canmore Folk Fest is scrambling to find a new supplier after it says another company cancelled just days before the event.

The organization posted on Twitter Thursday that a crane operator pulled its support after the folk fest announced it was severing ties with Valbella Gourmet Foods over that company’s transphobic email to Canmore Pride.

1/4 Dear community, we are disappointed to report that our decision to act in allyship with our local Pride organization has resulted in the cancellation of one of our Festival suppliers. This news comes on the week of the festival, no less. pic.twitter.com/cujpWqzNok

— Canmore Folk Fest (@canmorefolk) July 28, 2022

The Twitter thread generated multiple responses, calling for the Canmore Folk Fest to name the supplier.

Despite the setback, the festival is going ahead as scheduled. However, the event is in need of a new crane operator.

READ MORE:

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

• Canmore reinforces tolerance, values after business’ transphobic email

• Canmore company apologizes after homophobic email sent to Pride

Valbella Gourmet Foods has seen continued fallout from other organizations, like Sunterra Foods, Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Calgary, and Freson Bros, after the email.

The email from the Valbella Gourmet Foods owner 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.

They have since sent posted on Facebook, saying they are reaching out to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The owner, Chantal Van Rotz, is being criticized for the response as a Twitter user has a tread stating her Facebook has numerous posts in support of the Freedom Convoy.

I had some time during my 12-hour prairie drive yesterday so I did some digging in between passing wheat fields. Apparently Chantal von Rotz, who released the statement on behalf of Valbella, has some opinions as well. Or her "like" finger slipped. Whoops. pic.twitter.com/zPh97LuLuj

— Tamara (@TamIWas) July 29, 2022

The owner that sent the email was removed, but 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.