Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Marci Ien announce support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities

From: Women and Gender Equality Canada

News release

June 8, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario — Women and Gender Equality Canada

2SLGBTQI+ communities face discrimination, violence, and barriers, which prevent them from participating in economic, social, and political aspects of life. Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ organizations helps to build a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joined by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, today raised the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and also announced up to $1.7 million for six projects that will address key issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

These projects include:

The 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan, launched in August 2022, aims to advance the rights and equality for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexual and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people in Canada. The Action Plan addresses the substantial and persistent inequities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities. While this work is ongoing, the Government of Canada continues to engage leaders, experts, and advocates to respond to the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Following the announcement of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada continues to prioritize building a safer and more inclusive country by supporting initiatives, such as these six projects. Their work will prioritize advancing equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, while focusing on transgender people and newcomers to Canada.

The Government of Canada will continue working to remove long-standing barriers to lasting freedom and equality in society. This includes fully implementing the 2SLGBTQI+ Projects Fund and the pillars of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.

This Pride Season, everyone in Canada is invited to recognize the resilience and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities by participating in celebrations across Canada.

Quotes

“In 2016, we raised the Pride Flag for the first time on Parliament Hill – to show Canadians that no matter who you are or who you love, you are welcome here to be your true and authentic self. Now, in 2023, as we are seeing a disturbing rise in anti-2SLGBTQI+ laws around the world, as violence against transgender people increases, as Pride parades in Canada face additional threats, it’s even more important that we gather together. Together, we show solidarity, stand up for rights, and build a better, more free future for 2SLGBTQI+ people here in Canada and around the world. That’s what our government will always do.”

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Today, while raising Canada’s Pride Flag, we celebrate the lives, the joy, and the contributions of all 2SLGBTQI+ people. As we continue working toward building a more diverse and inclusive Canada, this funding will continue to support 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and community leaders that are working on the frontlines to provide life-saving programs and educational services for those that need them most.”

Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

Quick facts

  • On May 17, 2022, WAGE launched a call for proposals for community-informed initiatives to address key challenges and advance equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed $12.7 million over three years to support community-informed initiatives to overcome issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

  • Launched in August 2022, the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan:

    • Prioritizes and sustains 2SLGBTQI+ community action;
    • Continues to advance and strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ rights at home and abroad;
    • Supports Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ resilience and resurgence;
    • Engages everyone in Canada in fostering a more inclusive future;
    • Strengthens 2SLGBTQI+ data and evidence-based policy making; and 
    • Embeds 2SLGBTQI+ issues in the work of the Government of Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Johise Namwira
Press Secretary and Issues Manager
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
873-353-0985
Johise.Namwira@fegc-wage.gc.ca

Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6530
fegc.media.wage@fegc-wage.gc.ca

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