The federal government unveiled what it described as a historic first on Sunday as it announced a five-year, $100-million plan to support 2SLGBT communities across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled the strategy, dubbed “Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan,” at a news conference on Sunday ahead of the Pride parade in Ottawa — the first in-person march after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Trudeau touted the plan as the first such federal initiative of its kind, and said it demonstrates the government’s commitment to fighting discrimination and supporting diversity.
“This will guide our ongoing work to fight discrimination, break down barriers, to advance rights and to build a future where everyone in Canada is truly free to be who they are and love whom they love,” Trudeau said on Sunday.
Trudeau said 75 per cent of the funding will go toward community organizations focused on diversity and inclusion because that’s “where the real work of support comes from.”
“The strength and resilience of your communities should inspire everyone,” he said.
The federal government previously announced in this year’s budget that it would earmark $100 million to benefit 2SLGBT people. The action plan included details of where the money would go.
More than $5 million of the funding will go toward the launch of a public awareness campaign, while $7.7 million has been earmarked for data collection and community led policy research to support federal action on 2SLGBT issues.
