The Government of Canada is making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ2 people from coast to coast to coast by investing in building stronger, more resilient LGBTQ2 community organizations, networks, and infrastructure.

“Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, yet LGBTQ2 Canadians continue to face significant challenges, including higher rates of suicidal ideation, violence, and discrimination. Investing in LGBTQ2 organizations will create new opportunities to improve the lives of LGBTQ2 people throughout Canada, and indeed, for all Canadians.”

Randy Boissonnault
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues

“We all have the right to live with respect, safety and freedom. That is why our government is taking important steps to address past and current discrimination against LGBTQ2 people across Canada, and to celebrate and strengthen our country’s diversity. By funding LGBTQ2 community organizations like Egale Canada Human Rights Trust and the Canadian Trans Network, we are building on decades of advocacy work, and helping to create an inclusive future where everyone – regardless of who they love or how they identify – has an equal and fair chance at success.”

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

“We are excited to work with community members to organize the first Canadian Trans Summit. Our vision is a Canada free of discrimination, where trans and non-binary people can thrive in a free, just, and equal society. This crucial investment from the Government of Canada will help us take big steps towards that goal.”

Michelle Emson, Executive Director
Canadian Trans Network

“Thanks to this federal investment, Egale can continue to improve the lives of LGBTQI2S people in Canada. We look forward to the progress we can make with this federal support.”

Helen Kennedy, Executive Director
Egale Canada Human Rights Trust

• Status of Women Canada became Women and Gender Equality Canada in December 2018 with an expanded mandate that includes the advancement of equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

• 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 over $30 million to improve socio-economic 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 LGBTQ2 refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership; and
  • Canadian Heritage has set aside $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• Canadian Trans Network
• Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
• Canada announces new initiative to support LGBTQ2 refugees
• Investments in the LGBTQ2 community to help Canada welcome the world
• Canada announces new funds in support of LGBTQ2 rights
• LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund

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

Joshua Kirkey
Manager, Communications Services
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6884

Riley Schnurr
LGBTQ2 Liaison
Office of the Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 Issues
613-992-4524

Media Relations
Privy Council Office
613-957-5420