Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced the achievements of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which continues to advance equality and address the challenges faced by these communities. Minister Valdez was joined by the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, and Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central.
- 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program - $25 million to help 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs overcome barriers to starting and growing their businesses,
- Over 160 projects and capacity-building 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives - up to $75 million to promote inclusion and benefit everyone in Canada, and
- Unity - a public awareness campaign designed to help Canadians actively break down stigma against 2SLGBTQI+ communities through education, reflection and practical actions.
In addition, the federal government has provided $3 million to Fierté Canada Pride - $1.5 million in 2024 and in 2025 - to support the security needs of Pride festivals. This funding from Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate helps offset increasing security and insurance costs for events across the country, amid rising levels of 2SLGBTQI+ hate.
