FedDev Ontario invests over $485,000 in Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce to support inclusive tourism

“With today’s investment in Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growth of LGBTQ2+ inclusive tourism in southern Ontario. Our government is helping to attract more visitors and protect jobs in Canadian tourism to drive economic growth across the region.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Canada has a global reputation for being a top diverse and inclusive destination for LGBTQ2+ tourists. It is pride season, but we celebrate pride all year round. Today’s investment in Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce will help expand knowledge and learning opportunities on LGBTQ2+ tourism for Canadian partners, enhance the offerings available in southern Ontario, and welcome back new visitors and old friends as our visitor economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“The pandemic hit small businesses hard, and when we look at intersectional factors, LGBTQ2-serving businesses disproportionally felt these impacts. We know that these businesses are not only good for our economy, but also serve as safe spaces for international visitors, LGBTQ2 Canadians, and Torontonians to connect. Today, I’m proud that our government is once again standing alongside organizations like Canada’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help create a more inclusive Canada.”
– The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and Youth and Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre

“Inclusive destinations attract business and tourism to Canada, but more importantly they are a significant part of the ongoing path to full equality for LGBTQ2+ Canadians.”
– Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West

"The global LGBTQ+ travel market is estimated at $220 billion USD. As businesses become increasingly aware of the potential of this growing market, they have realized the unique needs of this diverse community. In response, our team in partnership with Tourism HR Canada, worked to create the Rainbow Registered accreditation program, Canada's first national standard for safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ2  community. This program, in addition to a number of our development and training resources for the LGBTQ2 community, are now able to be rapidly rolled out to businesses and organizations across southern Ontario - all thanks to the support of the federal government. This fantastic show of support will create a lasting legacy of inclusivity for LGBTQ2 visitors, customers and employees throughout the region."
– Darrell Schuurman, CEO of Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce 

• Located in Toronto, Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization promoting inclusive economic growth and prosperity through public and private sector advocacy for the more than 100,000 LGBTQ2+ owned and led businesses in Canada. These businesses generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians.

• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous focused projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario. 

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $60 million in over 160 LGBTQ2+ led projects, creating over 600 jobs and maintaining almost 3,000 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Relief Fund
• Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca

 

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Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca