NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY- The government of Canada wants to strengthen LGBTQ2S organizations and support the important work they do to create a fairer, more equal and more inclusive Canada.

On March 3^rd, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development launched the Government of Canada’s LGBTQ2S Community Capacity Fund Call for Proposals.

Up to $18 million is available to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country whose initiatives contribute to a strong LGBTQ2S movement in Canada to advance equality for all people. This is the first open call of its kind in Canadian history and recognizes the incredible work these organizations do everyday.

This announcement builds on the work the Government of Canada has undertaken to address the unique needs and persisting barriers still faced by LGBTQ2S communities. This includes legislative measures such as the introduction of federal legislation to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression and putting in place a process to permanently destroy the criminal records of those unjustly convicted for engaging in consensual sexual activity with same-sex partners.

Eligible organizations can find more information and apply to the Call for Proposals by visiting women.gc.ca. The deadline to apply is April 30^th, 2020 at 11:59am.

Quotes

“Supporting groups that have historically been marginalized like the LGBTQ2S community is a positive step towards ensuring our communities are inclusive so all individuals can feel safe, accepted and understood. Funding through the Community Capacity Fund will help provide social, health, housing and/or cultural programs and services to support LGBTQ2S communities in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply and be an ally!” – Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt

“For too long LGBTQ2S organizations were delivering vital services and doing the important work of creating a more equal Canada without dedicated support from the federal government. Today’s announcement is another step towards rectifying that unfair disparity and reflects our government’s commitment to create an inclusive future and new opportunities 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 for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“While Canada continues to make great strides in advancing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians and eliminating discrimination, much remains to be done. The Government of Canada is committed to working with members of the LGBTQ2 communities and organizations across Canada to break down barriers and make equality a reality. My Canada is an inclusive Canada where everyone feels welcomed and free to be who they are.” - The Honourable Bardish Chagger, P.C., M.P., Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

Quick facts       

• Status of Women Canada became Women and Gender Equality Canada in December 2018 with an expanded mandate that includes the advancement of equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
•  In addition to the $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support capacity-building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2S organizations, the Government of Canada has also made the following investments:
  • Global Affairs Canada has announced over $30 million to improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries;
  • The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy includes major investments in Pride events across Canada;
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced increased support for LGBTQ2 refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership; and
  • Canadian Heritage has set aside $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.
• On November 20, 2019, the Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Bardish Chagger as Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, to be supported by Canadian Heritage. The LGBTQ2 Secretariat, formerly housed at the Privy Council Office, moved to Canadian Heritage on that same date.
• The newly appointed Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is mandated to increase the focus and resources to this critical work.
  
  

Associated links

• Apply to Community Capacity Fund
  Human Rights of LGBTI Persons
• LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund
• LGBTQ2 Secretariat

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Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
MP Nickel Belt Marc G. Serré
705-897-2222
[email protected]