Canada has once again reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer and more inclusive society with the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, Rechie Valdez, announced key achievements and new investments that expand opportunities, improve safety, and reduce stigma for queer communities nationwide.

For years, queer people in Canada have faced systemic barriers—from discrimination in healthcare to exclusion in the workplace. The federal plan aims to change that through bold funding initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship, safety, and public education. These efforts are designed not only to address ongoing challenges but also to create long-term, structural change that benefits all Canadians.

This renewed commitment comes at a critical moment. With rising hate and growing security concerns for Pride festivals across the country, federal leaders are taking action to ensure queer communities have the resources and support they need. The Action Plan isn’t just about policies—it’s about protecting lives, empowering businesses, and celebrating the right to live authentically without fear.

Investing In Queer Entrepreneurs

A highlight of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan is the $25 million 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). This initiative helps queer entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, offering mentorship, access to networks, and critical funding through programs like the Business Scale-Up and Ecosystem Fund.

Darrell Schuurman, CEO of the CGLCC, emphasized the impact:

“We are deeply grateful for Minister Valdez’s unwavering commitment to Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Her leadership and the federal government’s continued investment in inclusive entrepreneurship are not only empowering our business leaders but also strengthening the social and economic fabric of this country. Together, we are building a Canada where every 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive.”

This funding is about more than money—it’s about creating visibility and equity for queer business leaders who historically have faced exclusion from mainstream financial support systems.

Building Community Capacity

Beyond entrepreneurship, the Action Plan invests up to $75 million over five years in community initiatives. These projects are designed to promote inclusion, enhance support services, and challenge harmful norms. Over 160 organizations across Canada have already received funding to build capacity and strengthen grassroots networks.

Minister Valdez highlighted why this work is non-negotiable:

“Protecting the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people is not negotiable. It is who we are as Canadians — a society that chooses inclusion over exclusion, and dignity over discrimination. We will keep standing with 2SLGBTQI+ communities, because equality is the foundation of a stronger Canada for everyone.”

These investments ensure that queer Canadians—particularly in rural or underserved areas—have access to programs and organizations that understand their unique challenges and needs.

Supporting Safety At Pride

One of the most pressing issues for queer communities has been rising hate and the need for improved security at public events. Through Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, the federal government has provided $3 million to Fierté Canada Pride. The funding offsets the rising costs of insurance and safety planning for Pride festivals across the country.

Brice Field of Fierté Canada Pride praised this support:

“Fierté Canada Pride welcomes the federal government’s continued investment in community safety for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations. This support is vital at a time when hate toward our communities is on the rise, and it ensures that Pride organizers — especially in rural and remote areas — have the resources they need to keep their communities safe. On the third anniversary of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, we celebrate the progress that has been made while recognizing the work still ahead to build a safer, more inclusive Canada for all.”

John Boychuk, co-chair of the Vancouver Pride Society also noted the difference this funding makes:

“In Canada, we come together to celebrate our diversity amidst the hate that still exists, which is often driven by intolerance. The Community Safety funding that Vancouver Pride Society received helps ensure that participants and those working on the front lines of our events can participate in a safer way, so we can all let our light shine bright.”

Breaking Down Stigma

The federal government is also backing education and awareness through Unity, a nationwide campaign encouraging Canadians to break down stigma. The initiative calls on everyone to reflect on their own biases, take practical steps to reduce discrimination, and actively support 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion.

For Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central, this work is deeply personal:

“Too many 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians still face discrimination, stigma, and hate. The investments we are making, in safety, in inclusion, in entrepreneurship, are about more than programs. They are about saving lives, transforming lives, and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

This focus on education reinforces the idea that systemic change requires not only government investment but also collective action from individuals and communities.

Leadership And Representation

At the announcement, leaders from across the country reaffirmed their solidarity with queer Canadians. Hedy Fry, MP for Vancouver Centre, recognized the long history of activism:

“For decades, Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQI+ community has led the fight for equality in Canada. Today, I am proud to stand with Minister Valdez and reaffirm that this government will never waver in defending those hard-won rights. Together, we will keep building a country where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and pride.”

Ernie Klassen, MP for South Surrey–White Rock, shared his personal connection:

“As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, I know how powerful it is to see your government not only stand with you, but walk with you. From marching alongside the Prime Minister at Vancouver Pride to supporting community organizations across the country, we are showing Canadians that equality is not just a value — it is our commitment.”

These statements reinforce that representation matters and that federal leaders recognize their responsibility to actively support queer Canadians.

Facing Today’s Challenges Head-On

Quick facts show why this work is urgent. In 2024, 46% of people of sexual and gender diversity reported experiencing violence, compared to 23% of the general population. Over their lifetimes, nearly 9 out of 10 queer Canadians have faced violence or discrimination. Those numbers are staggering, and they underscore the importance of federal investments in safety, inclusion, and equality.

The Action Plan represents not only a political commitment but a cultural one. It signals to queer Canadians that their government sees them, values them, and is willing to take concrete steps to ensure their rights are protected.

Moving Forward Together

The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan is more than a set of programs—it’s a lifeline of support, safety, and empowerment. From entrepreneurs building businesses to organizers running safe Pride festivals, the benefits are tangible and far-reaching. What remains clear is that the path forward requires both continued investment and community solidarity.

What do you think about these new federal commitments? Have you seen the impact of these programs in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.