Government of Canada Launches Call for Proposals to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country

by ahnationtalk on March 3, 2020471 Views

March 3, 2020 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Women and Gender Equality Canada

The Government of Canada is investing to strengthen LGBTQ2S organizations and support the vital work they do to create a fairer, more equal, and more inclusive Canada.

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development launched the Government of Canada’s LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund Call for Proposals.

Up to $18 million will be available to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country whose initiatives contribute to a strong LGBTQ2 movement in Canada to advance equality for all people. This is the first open call of its kind in Canadian history and recognizes the incredible work these organizations do every day.

This announcement builds on the work the Government of Canada has undertaken to address the unique needs and persisting disparities faced by LGBTQ2 communities. This includes legislative measures such as the introduction of federal legislation to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression and putting in place a process to permanently destroy the criminal records of those unjustly convicted for engaging in consensual sexual activity with same-sex partners.

Organizations can find more information and submit an application to the Call for Proposals by visiting women.gc.ca. The call opens on March 5 and the deadline to submit is April 30, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. (noon) Pacific Standard Time.

Quotes

“For too long LGBTQ2S organizations were delivering vital services and doing the important work of creating a more equal Canada without dedicated support from the federal government. Today’s announcement is another step towards rectifying that unfair disparity and reflects our government’s commitment to create an inclusive future and new opportunities where everyone – regardless of who they love or how they identify – has an equal and fair chance at success.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“While Canada continues to make great strides in advancing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians and eliminating discrimination, much remains to be done. The Government of Canada is committed to working with members of the LGBTQ2 communities and organizations across Canada to break down barriers and make equality a reality. My Canada is an inclusive Canada where everyone feels welcomed and free to be who they are.”

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

Quick facts

Status of Women Canada became Women and Gender Equality Canada in December 2018 with an expanded mandate that includes the advancement of equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
In addition to the $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support capacity-building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2S organizations, the Government of Canada has also made the following investments:
- Global Affairs Canada has announced over $30 million to improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries;
- The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy includes major investments in Pride events across Canada;
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced increased support for LGBTQ2 refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership; and
- Canadian Heritage has set aside $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.
On November 20, 2019, the Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Bardish Chagger as Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, to be supported by Canadian Heritage. The LGBTQ2 Secretariat, formerly housed at the Privy Council Office, moved to Canadian Heritage on that same date.
The newly appointed Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is mandated to increase the focus and resources to this critical work.

Government of Canada Launches Call for Proposals to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country

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