Mayor Rob Ford won't attend Pride Parade

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will not be attending the city's Pride Parade for the second year in a row because it conflicts with an annual gathering at his family's cottage.

"No, I'm not attending Pride. It's on Canada Day. I'm going up to the cottage with my family like I've done for as [long] as I can remember,"Fordtoldreporters on Wednesday.

Hedidn't specify if he would be attending any other events during the10-day longPride Toronto festival that celebrates sexual diversity in the city.

The Pride Parade will be held on the Canada Day long weekend, when Ford's family traditionally meets at their cottage in Huntsville, Ont.

Ford didn't attendlast year's paradefor the same reason, and was on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism for his decision.