Everyone deserves to be safe, included, and supported in their community. Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced $264,433 for Sudbury Queers United Around Diversity (SQUAD) to promote community safety, equality, and well-being across Greater Sudbury.
Through the Safer Community Development for 2SLGBTQI+ project, SQUAD will work with community members to reduce barriers to equality and safety, increasing the full participation of 2SLGBTQI+ people - including from Indigenous, racialized, and traditionally marginalized groups - in community life. Better inclusion and connection will make Greater Sudbury more welcoming for everyone. SQUAD will bring people together through focus groups and workshops, including Indigenous-led teachings. It will also grow its capacity by adding dedicated space, new staff, and stronger partnerships across the region.
Since 2016, the federal government has invested over $250 million to advance the rights and equality of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. Ongoing funding will continue to advance 2SLGBTQI+ equality and keep 2SLGBTQI+ communities safe.
