Ottawa – Every Canadian deserves to fully participate in all spheres of society, regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Across the country, 2SLGBTQI+ communities are facing an alarming rise in hate, and Pride organizations are working hard to make sure that their festivals are safe and secure.
To support this acute need, Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.5 million for Fierté Canada Pride (FCP) to administer an emergency fund to help pride organizations cover the increasing security costs at Pride events.
The emergency funding provided to Fierté Canada Pride will enable them to help Pride organizations with the rising costs of security and insurance for events across the country. These costs could include additional security resources and training to increase the capacity of volunteers and community members this Pride Season.
Last August, the Government of Canada laid the groundwork to continue supporting the community through the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which aims to advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada. The Action Plan addresses the substantial and persistent inequities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities. While this work is ongoing, the Government of Canada continues to engage leaders, experts, and advocates to respond to the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and ensure a safer, more inclusive country for all.
More needs to be done to assist 2SLGBTQI+ communities to counter misinformation/disinformation, raise awareness and combat hate. To confront hate in all its forms, including hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, the Government of Canada has committed to introducing a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This new Action Plan will include measures to combat hateful rhetoric and build safer, more inclusive communities.
As we mark the beginning of Pride Season, it is important that all Canadians are safe attending and participating in these celebrations, as they are part of the cultural fabric that make for a more vibrant and inclusive country.
“Now more than ever, as allies, as leaders, as parents, as friends, and as Canadians, we need to wake up to the reality that 2SLGBTQI+ people are facing today. The Government of Canada heard the community’s concerns, and we are putting forward emergency funding that will go directly to Pride organizations to help them cover increased security costs and continue to host events that are not only safe for everyone, but also continue to celebrate the resilience of the community. We know that we need to continue combatting hate in all its forms – not just for during Pride, but every single day.” – Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth