A coalition of more than 40 LGBTQ advocacy organizations descended on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, demanding that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government commit a staggering $450 million ($350 million US) in taxpayer funding over the next five years to expand the country’s federal LGBTQ action plan.
That’s $450 million in Canadian dollars, equivalent to roughly $325 million in U.S. currency, that activists want Ottawa to commit to their expanding programs and initiatives.
According to NOW Toronto, approximately 45 LGBTQ, human rights, feminist, and labor organizations participated in what organizers described as the largest-ever Queer Day of Action on Parliament Hill on October 6.
Organizers branded the lobby day the largest-ever “Queer day” on the Hill. The money would renew and expand the federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan before it expires in March 2027. That plan was launched by Justin Trudeau in August 2022 with $100 million over five years, about $70 million US, a massive 350% increase over the original allocation.
The day was organized by Queer Momentum, Rainbow Railroad, Egale Canada, Pride at Work Canada, Fierté Canada Pride, and Dignity Network Canada, with more than 40 allied groups in tow, according to a CNW release from the Society of Queer Momentum.
Delegates spent the day in meetings with MPs, senators, and ministers’ offices, then closed with a reception in the Senate co-hosted by the Canadian Pride Caucus. NOW Toronto reported the coalition’s line as “double down, not back down.”
The coalition also wants Canada to expand its international LGBTQ advocacy programs.
Doug Kerr, executive director of Dignity Network Canada, argued that Canadian funding has helped support LGBTQ organizations and activists operating overseas, including through embassies and nongovernmental organizations.
In other words, the proposed spending would not be limited to programs inside Canada. Part of the coalition’s agenda involves strengthening LGBTQ advocacy internationally.
During a press conference on Tuesday morning, Kerr explained that he expects the government will renew the action plan, but it needs to be comprehensive and actionable.
“I think what many of us are concerned about is that the time is different than it was five years ago. The stresses on our human rights are growing, and we need to see not just a renewed action plan, but renewed investment in our communities,” Kerr told media.
Alberta Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells told media that there are ongoing conversations about this investment happening between Queer and Trans leaders and not just the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, but all ministers in the federal government, as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is a part of every portfolio.
“The Action Plan signals a commitment, and it sends a message to our community that this federal government sees our community, understands our community, and also understands Canada’s place in an increasingly divided and polarized world, where 2SLGBTQI+ communities are under direct attack, and that includes communities in Alberta,” Wells said.
“I would hope that the government will not only renew the action plan, but actually increase funding because we know true allies in times of challenge don’t back down; they double down in terms of their support.”
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