AOD,
When I look at that list, I see a lot of places where the Conservatives won seats or want to win seats, not necessarily an ideological bend per se (though I agree it was probably there in the Pride decision).
Unfortunately, with this kind of funding it's always this way. Wasn't different under Martin or Chretien. Won't be dfferent under Iggy. These little slush funds (and in the grand scheme of things, they aren't huge) exist to help various administrations get votes. And arbitrary programs will always be this way, from infrastructure, to arts funding, to where the military places bases (for example DND has been repeatedly prevented by politicians of all stripes (including NDP'ers who'll complain about military spending elsewhere!!!) from consolidating bases to save money). It's not right. But it happens. C'est la vie.
I really don't know how you'd change the practice. And if you have absolutely nothing for the pols to play with, then what's the point of having them there? We can just do with public servant administrators. I'd rather they play with 20 million dollar for a cultural fund than start messing with the 20 billion dollar defence budget , with every MP demanding a base or station in their ward (I'm not exaggerating...MPs from Newfoundland now want to dictate how the CF conducts search and rescue operations and determines SAR posture and basing).
As for big events not getting funding. Personally, I don't think events that don't need the funding for viability should get it. Calgary Stampede can run without a federal grant. Pride can survive without a federal grant. Quebec's winter carnival can survive without a federal grant. Why shouldn't that money go to other arts and cultural events which needs funds to achieve sustainability? But that's just me.