Everyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, should have access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and resources that are safe and stigma-free. However, experiences of discrimination within Canada's health care system have and continue to make it more difficult for many members of marginalized groups to get the care they need. This is especially true for 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, as well as women and youth, as the barriers they face are also compounded by a lack of culturally safe, relevant, equitable and stigma-free information and services.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced close to $1.3 million in funding from Health Canada's SRH Fund to support projects led by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre Manitoba and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African and Caribbean (CHABAC) Network housed at HIV Edmonton. These innovative projects will improve access to vital SRH services and reduce barriers to care for these underserved communities across the Prairies and beyond, through health care provider training, SRH awareness campaigns, and culturally relevant tools and resources.
The SRH Fund was established through Budget 2021 with an initial investment of $45 million to improve access to SRH care for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access, with an additional $36 million made through Budget 2023.
This announcement reflects the Government of Canada's belief that everyone has the right to access safe and relevant SRH services, and is an example of how the Government is supporting human rights.
