Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement to mark the fourth anniversary of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan:
"Safety cannot be taken for granted. It must be protected every day. It is the foundation that allows people to work, build businesses, raise families, contribute to their communities, and reach their full potential.
Four years ago, Canada launched the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan to reduce barriers faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and create a safer, more inclusive country.
At its core, the Action Plan supports the ongoing efforts of community leaders and organizations working to advance safety, inclusion and equal opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ people to participate fully in Canadian society and the economy.
Despite progress, 2SLGBTQI+ people continue to face hate, discrimination, and disinformation.
Since 2022, Women and Gender Equality Canada has supported more than 240 projects, reaching nearly 50,000 2SLGBTQI+ people and allies across Canada through investments that strengthen community capacity and advance inclusion. The Unity awareness campaign also encourages people across Canada to actively address stigma against 2SLGBTQI+ communities through education, reflection, and action.
In Budget 2025, the federal government committed to continuing support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, by providing $54.6 million over five years with $10.9 million ongoing to support the 2SLGBTQI+ community sector, including $7.5 million over five years with $1.5 million ongoing for Pride Security. This is about making sure community organizations have the tools they need to do their work, and that Pride celebrations can remain safe, welcoming, and accessible.
Looking ahead, continued support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities will be guided by the lived experiences of the people closest to this work.
Working alongside 2SLGBTQI+ communities remains essential to protecting safety, strengthening inclusion, and ensuring everyone has the freedom to be who they are and love who they love.
Because when everyone can participate fully, Canada is stronger."
