Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities face discrimination, violence, and barriers, which prevent them from participating in economic, social, and political aspects of life. Supporting organizations that represent these communities helps to build a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, alongside Minister O'Regan, St. John's South-Mount Pearl, Member of Parliament Joanne Thompson, St. John's East, and Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality in Newfoundland and Labrador, announced $867,162 for two organizations whose respective goals are to support, among others, Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Gender-based violence and affirming healthcare are at the heart of the projects receiving support.
- First Light St. John's Friendship Centre received funding for a project to advance missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) policy change to end gender-based violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The National Inquiry into MMIWG highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Increasing the capacity of Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations will enable organizations to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure that Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and their communities, can prosper now and in the future.
- Quadrangle LGBTQ Community Centre received funding for a project on health equity research outreach.
- Following the launch of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan last year, the Government of Canada continues to prioritize direct support to 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This includes supporting community-informed projects that will address key issues facing these communities.
