Diversity and inclusion are among Canada's greatest strengths. Everyone should be able to live a true and authentic life, free from violence and discrimination, no matter who they are or who they love.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced a total of $246,000 in Government of Canada funding to support three important projects.
Éducaloi's "Demystifying the legal aspects of sexual assault in LGBTQ+ communities" project, aims to support victims of sexual assault, or people who work with them in this context, to make informed decisions regarding possible legal and non-judicial processes. To achieve this, Éducaloi will produce a pocket guide that will offer information and avenues for reflection on the various steps survivors can take. They will receive $79,000 over two years for this project. Funding for this project is the result of an open call for projects to improve access to justice and services for all victims of crime, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of vulnerable victims, including 2SLGBTQI+ people, provided through Justice Canada's Victims Fund.
Éducaloi has also received support for the "Protections of the law against conversion therapy" project to help raise awareness about the recent criminalization of conversion therapy in Canada, as well as victims' rights. They have received $90,000 over two years for this project.
In addition, the Fondation Émergence has received support for its "Putting an end to conversion therapy" project, to promote awareness of the criminalization of conversion therapy by offering individuals and intervention settings, such as schools, police services, and health and social services, informational tools to recognize and demystify conversion therapy and by directing victims and those around them to psychological and legal support resources. They have received $77,000 over two years for this project.
Conversion therapy-related funding is provided through the Victims Fund in response to an invitational call for proposals launched in December 2021 for organizations to develop resources to raise awareness about the new Criminal Code offences related to conversion therapy, and bring light to this new class of victims.
