Some angel groups have extensive pitch training and coaching programs attached to them and there I can see some justification for pitch charges but only if those charges are deducted from a successful raise. If the company does not raise funds, obviously the coaching failed and it would be wrong to charge anything.
Unfortunately in most cases in Canada there is no coaching or training of any kind - just a fee that taxes already cash-strapped entrepreneurs.
Which is different than pay to pitch. Pay to pitch is broken for investment. It works for PR and attention, I.e., Demo.com, but I hate it to get investor attention. The closest I've seen is incubator DemoDays, but the interests are in closer alignment.
Unfortunately in most cases in Canada there is no coaching or training of any kind - just a fee that taxes already cash-strapped entrepreneurs.