More than 40 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations demand $450M from federal government to expand Action Plan

Over 40 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered on Parliament Hill on Tuesday in what organizers called the largest-ever Queer day on the Hill, demanding $450 million over five years from the federal government to renew and expand the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.

The first Action Plan, launched in 2022 with $100 million in funding, is set to expire in March 2027. The coalition—including Queer Momentum, The 519, Rainbow Railroad, Human Dignity Network, and Pride at Work—plans to meet with MPs, senators and ministerial representatives throughout the week ahead of the Fall Budget.

Lauren Pragg, head of LGBT YouthLine, told reporters that without sustained funding, the sector faces collapse. "Without core funding and material commitments to help uphold the Charter rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, we are facing a dire crisis across the sector," she said. LGBT YouthLine's own funding has dropped by half since the 2022 Action Plan launched, and many organizations have been forced to close.

Latoya Nugent, chief communications and advocacy officer at Rainbow Railroad, said the community is under pressure. "We're here with over 40 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations to remind the government that our community matters and we're under attack. We're asking the government for $450 million dollars over five years to invest in the capacity of our community to do the important and critical work that our community needs."

The 2022 Action Plan included funding for increased security at Pride parades and boosted research programs. Egale Canada cited rising online threats to minorities and has advocated against new provincial policies affecting transgender youth.

Alberta Senator Kristopher Wells called on the Liberal government to expand existing programs. "It's about the direction that this government wants to set," he said.

Erin Quevillon, spokesperson for Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez, said in a statement: "The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan has delivered important results, including strengthening community organizations and advancing the rights and inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ people. We are reviewing the Action Plan, and decisions regarding the next steps for the program will be announced at the appropriate time."