Government of Canada Launches Call for Proposals to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country
VANCOUVER, March 3, 2020 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is investing to strengthen LGBTQ2S organizations and support the vital work they do to create a fairer, more equal, and more inclusive Canada.
Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development launched the Government of Canada's LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund Call for Proposals.
Up to $18 million will be available to support LGBTQ2S organizations across the country whose initiatives contribute to a strong LGBTQ2 movement in Canada to advance equality for all people. This is the first open call of its kind in Canadian history and recognizes the incredible work these organizations do every day.
This announcement builds on the work the Government of Canada has undertaken to address the unique needs and persisting disparities faced by LGBTQ2 communities. This includes legislative measures such as the introduction of federal legislation to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression and putting in place a process to permanently destroy the criminal records of those unjustly convicted for engaging in consensual sexual activity with same-sex partners.
Organizations can find more information and submit an application to the Call for Proposals by visiting women.gc.ca. The call opens on March 5 and the deadline to submit is April 30, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. (noon) Pacific Standard Time.
Quotes
"For too long LGBTQ2S organizations were delivering vital services and doing the important work of creating a more equal Canada without dedicated support from the federal government. Today's announcement is another step towards rectifying that unfair disparity and reflects our government's commitment to create an inclusive future and new opportunities where everyone ? regardless of who they love or how they identify ? has an equal and fair chance at success."
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
"While Canada continues to make great strides in advancing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians and eliminating discrimination, much remains to be done. The Government of Canada is committed to working with members of the LGBTQ2 communities and organizations across Canada to break down barriers and make equality a reality. My Canada is an inclusive Canada where everyone feels welcomed and free to be who they are."
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
Quick Facts
- Status of Women Canada became Women and Gender Equality Canada in December 2018 with an expanded mandate that includes the advancement of equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
- In addition to the $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support capacity-building and community-level work of Canadian LGBTQ2S organizations, the Government of Canada has also made the following investments:
- Global Affairs Canada has announced over $30 million to improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries;
- The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy includes major investments in Pride events across Canada;
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced increased support for LGBTQ2 refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership; and
- Canadian Heritage has set aside $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.
- On November 20, 2019, the Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Bardish Chagger as Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, to be supported by Canadian Heritage. The LGBTQ2 Secretariat, formerly housed at the Privy Council Office, moved to Canadian Heritage on that same date.
- The newly appointed Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is mandated to increase the focus and resources to this critical work.
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Backgrounder
A key priority for the Government of Canada is to strengthen diversity and inclusion so that everyone can participate fully as members of Canadian society.
The Government of Canada's commitment to LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit) communities is a key part of this priority. The Government is promoting equality, protecting rights, and addressing discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities, both past and current.
The Government of Canada established an LGBTQ2 Secretariat in 2017 to promote equality for LGBTQ2 Canadians, protect their rights, and address discrimination against them.
In November 2017, the Prime Minister issued a formal apology in the House of Commons to LGBTQ2 people living in Canada harmed by federal legislation, policies and practices. This has set a foundation for healing, reconciliation, and progress.
In December 2018, Status of Women Canada became Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) with an expanded mandate that includes the advancement of equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
On November 20, 2019, the Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Bardish Chagger as Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, to be supported by Canadian Heritage.
The newly appointed Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth is mandated to increase the focus and resources to this critical work.
Following the expansion of WAGE's mandate, the government created the first-ever federal program specifically dedicated to advancing equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Under the new Equality for Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Program, the Government of Canada is supporting LGBTQ2S organizations through the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund. This fund was created as a result of commitments made in Budget 2019.
LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund
Budget 2019 allocated $20 million in new funding to support the capacity-building of Canadian LGBTQ2S organizations in Canada. Support will be directed to organizations working within LGBTQ2 communities whose initiatives contribute to strengthened LGBTQ2 communities and the advancement of equality for LGBTQ2 people in Canada.
These funds were allocated over three fiscal years, from 2019 to 2022. In 2019-2020, close to $2 million was allocated to seven organizations to build the infrastructure of existing or emerging national LGBTQ2S organizations by supporting targeted initiatives, allowing funding agreement holders at the national level to help develop the capacity of local and regional organizations through funding, tools and other services. This will contribute to the readiness of a number of LGBTQ2S organizations (including assistance for organizations to become legally constituted) for the Call for Proposals. This funding will also help national and local organizations work collectively to address equality issues.
Organizations with mandates to advance equality with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are eligible to apply to the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund. Organizations that mainly or exclusively support specific LGBTQ2 communities (for example, gay men, the Trans community, LGBTQ2 women), or that focus on communities of intersection between LGBTQ2 communities and other identity factors, are also eligible to apply for this funding.
Call for Proposals
The Government of Canada is now inviting proposals to invest in projects until 2021-2022 for capacity-building LGBTQ2S community organizations in Canada, the first open call of its kind in Canadian history. Funding support will be directed to organizations working within LGBTQ2 communities and whose project proposals and initiatives contribute to LGBTQ2 equality, protect LGBTQ2 rights and address discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities.
Organizations can find more information and submit an application to the Call for Proposals by visiting women.gc.ca. The call opens on March 5 and the deadline to submit is April 30, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. (noon) Pacific Standard Time.
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