Press Release
From: Women and Gender Equality Canada
August 15, 2019 – Edmonton, Alberta – Women and Gender Equality Canada
The Government of Canada is making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ2 people from coast to coast to coast through investments that will build stronger, more resilient LGBTQ2 community organizations, networks, and infrastructure.
Today the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and, Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced more than $1 million in funding for three national LGBTQ2 organizations to build a better, more diverse, and more inclusive Canada:
This funding is part of the historic $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support the capacity-building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2 organizations. These investments will help address the unique needs and gaps in services to LGBTQ2 people in Canada by enabling growth among LGBTQ2 community organizations across the country.
Quotes
“We all have the right to live with respect, safety and freedom. That is why our government is taking important steps to address past and current discrimination against LGBTQ2 people across Canada, and to celebrate and strengthen our country’s diversity. By funding LGBTQ2 community organizations like the Canadian Rainbow Coalition for Refuge, Enchanté and the 2 Spirits in Motion Foundation, we are building on decades of advocacy work, and helping to create an inclusive future where everyone – regardless of who they love or how they identify – has an equal and fair chance at success.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
“Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, yet LGBTQ2 Canadians continue to face significant challenges, including higher rates of violence and discrimination. Investing in LGBTQ2 organizations will create new opportunities to improve the lives of LGBTQ2 people throughout Canada, and indeed, for all Canadians.”
Randy Boissonnault
Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues
Member of Parliament, Edmonton Centre
“We are thankful that the Government of Canada is investing in our work to improve the experience and lives of LGBTQ refugees arriving to Canada. Queer and Trans refugees bring hopes of safety and belonging when they settle in Canada, knowing that Canada is a country where their rights are protected regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. In more than 70 countries, Queer and Trans people are criminalized, subject to torture or extreme violence. Today’s funding will help create a Canada-wide approach to supporting LGBTQ2 refugees that will stand as an example of how government and civil society can work together for positive, productive change.”
Sharalyn Jordan
Canadian Rainbow Coalition for Refuge
“When we eliminate discrimination and build inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, we improve mental health, create opportunities, and save lives. We are thrilled that the Government of Canada recognizes the value and potential in our community groups and centres, and are thankful for this investment. With this financial support, we will build a supportive network of organizations serving 2SLGBTQ+ people in every province and territory. The strength in Enchanté will mean that whatever town, region or city a 2SLGBTQ+ person lives in, they can count on an organization nearby that will have access to our resources and supports.”
Mike Tutthill
Enchanté: a Network of 2SLGBTQ+ Centres of Canada
“Two-Spirit people were an integral part of Indigenous communities generations before settlers arrived to North America. Colonial laws and practices erased and suppressed Two-Spirit Indigenous values, beliefs and identities. This funding is a first step in reclaiming these identities and building safe and supportive environments for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ2 people within Indigenous and non-indigenous communities across Canada.”
Keith McCrady
2 Spirits in Motion Foundation
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Contacts
Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825
Valérie Haché
Senior Communications Advisor
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-8684
Riley Schnurr
LGBTQ2 Liaison
Office of the Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 Issues
613-992-4524
Media Relations
Privy Council Office
613-957-5420
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