Minister Chagger and Minister Monsef announce funding for 76 LGBTQ2 community-led projects across Canada

“The LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund helps advance equity for LGBTQ2 individuals in Canada by supporting the network of organizations across the country to build new tools, enhance collaboration, and strengthen organizational development at the local level. The Government of Canada is committed to working with and for all LGBTQ2 individuals in collaboration with community-led organizations to combat all forms of discrimination. Together we can build back an even better and consciously more inclusive Canada where everyone can be their true, authentic self.”

—The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

“LGBTQ2 organizations from coast to coast to coast offer key services and do important work to create a more equal Canada, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated inequalities and created additional challenges for LGTBQ2 individuals. Today’s announcement, the result of first-ever federal fund specifically dedicated to LGBTQ2 equality, will help LGBTQ2 organizations strengthen their operations, increase partnerships, share knowledge, and build stronger networks to support LGBTQ2 communities across Canada. Since 2015, WAGE has provided over $14 million in direct support to 64 LGBTQ2 organizations across the country to help support their vital work. We know there is a lot more work to do and we are proud to work together with them to help ensure an inclusive future and opportunities for everyone—regardless of who they love or how they identify—so that all Canadians have an equal and fair chance at success.”

—The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“Well before COVID-19, we recognized that LGBTQ2 community organizations across the country, while resilient, needed a boost to strengthen their operations, renew and enhance their tools, and build new collaborations with other like-minded organizations. Funding is a big part of the solution, and we brought this to these community organizations through the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund.”

—Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)

“The Community Capacity Fund is a game changer for the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance because it provides much-needed resources to consolidate as the regional organization for Two-Spirits. As a result, the Alliance can properly advocate, deliver knowledge-sharing programs, and expand its partnerships with its sister 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations and service providers to extend their supports for Two-Spirits in the Atlantic region.”

—John R. Sylliboy, Interim Executive Director, Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance

“Rainbow Refugee and our partners in the Rainbow Coalition for Refuge form a critical safety net for refugees who have escaped sex- and gender-based persecution. The LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund strengthens our organizations’ foundations, and helps us grow a more robust solidarity and support network. This investment in LGBTQ2 civil society signals a new level of commitment by Canadian government to realize equity and rights. This commitment needs to continue and grow until all members of our communities can live with safety, belonging and respect.ˮ

— Dr. Sharalyn Jordan, Chair, Rainbow Refugee Society

“With this fund, YouthLine will upgrade its internal structures to train and support more peer support volunteers to meet the increased demand for our HelpLine. We will also expand our provincial presence and reach through regional networks as well as better understand and meet the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in rural and Northern Ontario who often have little to no supports.”

— Berkha Gupta, Executive Director, Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line

"Trans people have been sidelined for far too long. These funds will finally bring trans voices to the forefront and meet the glaring needs for consultation and the sharing of trans knowledge and expertise. Euphorie dans le genre – Fierté trans will launch a broad consultation of trans people to take stock of the needs and concerns of trans communities."

— Maxime Faddoul, Coordinator, Euphorie dans le genre – Fierté trans

• The call for proposals under the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund began on March 5, 2020, and concluded on May 14, 2020.

• As part of the COVID-19 response, the Government of Canada is investing $350 million in the Emergency Community Support Fund to support charities and non-profit organizations requiring financial assistance to address the pandemic.

• In addition to the $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support capacity building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2 organizations, the Government of Canada has also made the following investments:

  • Global Affairs Canada has announced more than $30 million to improve socioeconomic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries;
  • The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy includes major investments in Pride events across Canada;
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced increased support for LGBTQI refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership;

  Canadian Heritage has set aside $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.

• On November 27, 2020, the Government of Canada launched a national LGBTQ2 survey and engagement on Canada’s first ever LGBTQ2 Action Plan to advance equity and improve the lives of LGBTQ2 people in Canada.

Related products

• Backgrounder: LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund

Associated links

• LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Human Rights of LGBTQ2I Persons
• LGBTQ2 Secretariat
• LGBTQ2 Survey and Action Plan

For more information (media only), please contact:

Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
emelyana.titarenko@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

Marie-Pier Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
613-295-8123

Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
1-855-969-9922