February 7, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Everyone deserves to live with dignity, feel safe and have their rights respected, regardless of their identity. Canada is committed to advocating for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit (LGBTQ2) and intersex persons and partnering with LGBTQ2 communities to address the barriers to equality that continue to limit their ability to enjoy their human rights, both within Canada and around the world.
Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, announced $30 million in dedicated funding over five years, followed by $10 million per year to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries. Minister Bibeau made the announcement accompanied by Randy Boissonnault, the Prime Minister's Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues.
This new investment will support Canadian LGBTQ2 and intersex organizations in their efforts to collaborate with partners in developing countries. It will also serve to support local and regional organizations and equality movements in developing countries, as well as partnerships and multilateral initiatives that contribute to policy, advocacy and research efforts in this area.
Minister Bibeau also announced the creation of a platform for collaboration and exchange where Canadian LGBTQ2 organizations and other equality-seeking organizations can share knowledge and help inform Canada's work on this subject.
"Globally, LGBTQ2 communities continue to face discrimination and injustice because of who they are. Everyone matters, no matter who they choose to love, no matter where they live. At the heart of its efforts, Canada will continue to take concrete action to advance human rights and gender equality for all people, including LGBTQ2 communities abroad."
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development
"The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ2 people at home and abroad. This significant funding announcement demonstrates our commitment to work with Canadian LGBTQ2 organizations and communities to recognize, promote and ensure the human rights of LGBTQ2 people around the world."
- Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues
Quick facts
Canada is the current co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), alongside Chile.
In August 2018, Canada hosted the ERC conference in Vancouver. At the conference, Canada announced its intention to improve the way it understands and supports LGBTQ2 and intersex communities and defenders on the world stage.
