A fair, free and inclusive Canada depends on all people having the opportunity to participate fully in Canada's economic, social and political life, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. That's why, two years ago today, the Government of Canada released the first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.
Today, on the second anniversary of the Action Plan, the federal government acknowledged both the progress made and work to do to support diversity, inclusion and respect for human rights. In support of that work, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.6 million for four 2SLGBTQI+ organizations based in Atlantic Canada.
Through this funding, the following three organizations will expand their capacity to improve advocacy skills, information, collaboration and tools in Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
- PEI Transgender Network, for their Capacity Empowerment Plan ($303,000).
- Pride PEI Inc., for their Building Capacity for a Prouder Prince Edward Island project ($354,000).
- Quadrangle NL Community Centre, for their 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing ($375,000).
Additionally, federal funding of up to $571,400 will support Trans Support NL Inc.'s Trans Healthcare is Primary Healthcare: Gender Affirming Healthcare Settings Toolkit project. This project will address the need for trans-inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare services by providing primary care providers and similar professions in the province with a gender-affirming healthcare toolkit and training on implementation and use of the resource.
In marking the second anniversary of the Action Plan, the Government of Canada continues to work to advance equal rights and improve social, economic, and health outcomes for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The progress underway is a solid foundation to further advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and the federal government is committed to forward momentum, including through the funding announced today. This will continue to be guided by collaboration with 2SLGBTQI+ communities and partners, whose work and lived experiences help address inequities experienced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
