Gender equality depends on all people having the opportunity to participate fully in Canada's economic, social and political life. Removing systemic barriers with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and ensuring the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ communities will create a better future for all Canadians.
Today, in the lead up to Calgary Pride 2024, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Lisa Hepfner, announced over $400,000 for three 2SLGBTQI+ organizations based in Alberta.
Though this funding, the Government of Canada is supporting the following Alberta-based 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to address barriers to equality and strengthen their capacity to improve skills, information, collaboration and tool development:
- Calgary Outlink will receive $147,000 for their project Developing Interagency Networks, Community Connections, and Awareness of Services for 2SLGBTQI+ Service Providers. This project aims to establish an interagency network to build stronger capacity of 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations and service providers, addressing the current gaps in connection, communication, and collaboration between organizations.
- End of the Rainbow Foundation will receive $137,000 for their initiative entitled Promoting Structural Change toward Living Well Together. This project will investigate where gaps in 2SLGBTQI+ services exist in the Calgary region.
- Pride Calgary Planning Committee will receive up to $157,000 for their Sustainability & Strategy Planning Project. This project will work to improve police relations with 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Calgary. This will include a study about 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and policing practices, a townhall event, and recommendations for enhancing inclusivity.
This funding builds on the foundation of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan that was announced two years ago this week, in August 2022. The Action Plan was created to advance the rights and equality of 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada. Through this 2SLGBTQI+ community capacity and project funding, the Government of Canada is addressing persistent disparities faced by these communities, and building a safer, more inclusive country.
