Ending gender-based violence is crucial if we are serious about giving everyone the same opportunities to join and grow Canada’s middle class. We all benefit when people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions are safe and free to live their lives to the fullest.

“With this investment, we are funding organizations like OUTSaskatoon which provide essential services to support LGBTQ2 survivors and their families. This funding envelope was developed in partnership with leaders from the women’s sector, whose advice continues to inform Canada’s first Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. Leaders asked for more dollars over a longer period of time to meet the ever growing demand for their services, a simplified application process, and resources to help provide supports for the most underserved and marginalized survivors of gender-based violence. Our government listened. Gender-based violence must not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with survivors, community partners, the private sector and other orders of government to end GBV in all of its forms.” 

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“Gender-based violence can happen to anyone, but statistics show that some groups are more at risk than others, including people who identify as LGBTQ2. The Government of Canada continues to work with partners across Canada to address the root causes of gender-based violence while supporting survivors of violence in ways that are sensitive to their needs and relevant to their experiences. I am proud to announce funding for these projects, which will build supports for LGBTQ2 communities in Saskatchewan and throughout the Prairies to help ensure individuals’ right to live a life free of violence.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

“None of us are free from violence and discrimination until we all are. Funding these projects from OUTSaskatoon will support direct services to LGBTQ2 and gender non-confirming Canadians who are survivors of gender-based violence. This partnership underscores our government’s staunch commitment to women’s rights and LGBTQ2 equality.”

Randy Boissonnault, M.P.
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues

“We are pleased to receive funding from the Government of Canada to better respond to gender-based violence within and surrounding the LGBTQ2S community. This support will provide the continuity needed to assist survivors, improve the quality of care and programming for LGBTQ2S adults and youth, and in turn to strengthen our communities."

Rachel Loewen Walker, Executive Director
OUTSaskatoon

• In June 2017, the Department for Women and Gender Equality (formerly Status of Women Canada) announced the first-ever federal Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.

• To date, the Government of Canada has invested over $200 million across government to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors and their families, and create more responsive legal and justice systems.

• The Promising practices to support survivors and their families call for concepts is the largest amount of funding ever announced for programming to specifically support diverse groups of gender-based violence survivors and their families.

•  Some populations are more likely to experience violence and may face unique barriers and challenges that put them at particular risk (Statistics Canada, 2015).

• Violence against women, girls and LGBTQ2 people is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations around the world. Globally, it is estimated that one in three women experiences intimate partner violence in her lifetime. 

• In Canada, nearly 50% of people aged 15 and older who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual report having experienced physical or sexual abuse, compared to 30% of heterosexual people.

• Gender-based violence can have lifelong impacts on an individual's physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, the effects can be serious and costly. Annually, the economic impact of intimate partner violence and sexual assault is estimated to be over $12 billion.

• Budget 2019 proposes to invest $20 million over two years in capacity building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2 service organizations, to help address the unique needs and persisting disparities among LGBTQ2 individuals.

• In June 2019, Canada will host the Women Deliver conference, the world’s largest conference on gender equality and the health, rights and wellbeing of girls and women.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• OUTSaskatoon
• Department for Women and Gender Equality's Gender-Based Violence Program
• It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
• LGBTQ2 Secretariat
• Women Deliver Conference 2019

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825

Valérie Haché
Senior Communications Advisor
Department for Women and Gender Equality
819-420-8684 

Thierry Bélair
Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200 

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca