Black Canadians played a pivotal role in shaping Canada into the vibrant country it is today. However, for far too long Black people in Canada have faced systemic barriers, anti-Black racism and discrimination. As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, the Government of Canada, now more than ever, remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting systemic barriers and creating a more equitable and just future for Black people in Canada. To that end, the Government of Canada has proposed over $1 billion to uplift and support Black communties in Canada.
As a part of these historic investments, today, at the National Black Canadians Summit, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced that approximately $4.4 million will be provided to support up to nine projects through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative as part of the Emerging Priorities pillar. The investment will go toward initiatives focusing on youth, health, and mental health in Black communities, responding to the call to increase support in those specific areas. With the theme of Black History Month 2025 being "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations", the government is supporting the next generation by investing in the supports they need.
Minister Ien also highlighted more than $700,000 in funding for the Michaëlle Jean Foundation under the Emerging Priorities pillar. The funding supports the 2025 National Black Canadians Summit and the Michaëlle Jean Foundation's Power of Youth Initiative, which will provide grants to youth-led organizations to benefit their local community.
These investments build on Canada's commitment to taking further action to address systemic racism and inequities that impact Black communities. Canada endorsed the first United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent in 2018 and recently co-sponsored the second Decade, which spans from January 2025 to December 2034.
