A strong Canada depends on communities where people are safe and an economy where everyone has a fair chance to contribute, work, and lead. In Budget 2025, the federal government made a historic investment to advance gender equality across the country. Now, the federal government is moving quickly to deliver funding directly to organizations, advancing gender equality, strengthening safety, and expanding opportunities in communities across Canada.
Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), joined by Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, announced over $77.5 million in funding to extend projects for 395 organizations across Canada.
This is the largest WAGE funding announcement ever by number of organizations directly supported. The funding will help organizations advance gender equality, support survivors, strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and expand participation in Canada's economy and society. It is critical to these organizations doing life-changing work. They are helping women enter and stay in the workforce, supporting victims and survivors of violence, creating safer spaces, strengthening community services, and opening more pathways to leadership, economic security, and opportunity.
This funding builds on a previous investment of over $167.2 million that has helped community organizations deliver essential services, expand support, and advance gender equality in every region of the country. With this additional funding, this work will reach more people, in more communities, at a time when it is needed most.
This additional funding includes:
- $44.4 million for 218 organizations to enhance their capacity and deliver projects that drive systemic change and advance the full participation of women in Canada's economic, social, and democratic life.
- $23.2 million for 112 organizations to prevent and address gender-based violence, including Indigenous-led initiatives, community-based research, and projects that test and expand promising practices to improve prevention efforts and supports for survivors.
- $9.9 million for 65 organizations to strengthen the 2SLGBTQI+ community sector and support initiatives that promote safety and foster meaningful change.
This announcement is part of the federal government's investment through Budget 2025 to strengthen gender equality across Canada. Budget 2025 provides Women and Gender Equality Canada with stable, long-term funding to support women's equality, strengthen the 2SLGBTQI+ community sector, and advance action to end gender-based violence:
- $382.5 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, with $76.5 million ongoing, to revitalize and stabilize efforts to advance women's equality in Canada.
- $223.4 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, with $44.7 million ongoing, to strengthen federal action on gender-based violence.
- $54.6 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, with $10.9 million ongoing, to support 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This includes $7.5 million over five years, with $1.5 million ongoing, for Pride Security.
