Everyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, has the right to be their authentic self, which includes having access to the care that they need to lead a happy and healthy life. This is especially true for members of underserved communities including 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous and racialized communities, newcomers, women, and youth, as the barriers they face are compounded by past experiences of discrimination in Canada's health care system, as well as a lack of culturally safe, relevant, equitable, and stigma-free health services.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced more than $700,000 in funding from the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Fund to support projects led by the Sexual Health Nova Scotia Society and the Association of New Canadians to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for these communities across Atlantic Canada.
These projects will help improve access to vital SRH services and reduce barriers to care for underserved communities in Atlantic Canada by developing resources that build health care providers' capacity to deliver these services. These projects are funded through Health Canada's SRH Fund, which was established through Budget 2021 with an initial investment of $45 million to improve access to SRH care for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access, with an additional commitment of $36 million through Budget 2023.
This announcement reflects the Government of Canada's belief that everyone has the right to access safe and relevant SRH services.
