Trudeau’s 2024 Budget $150 Million to Promote ‘2SLGBTQI+’

Trudeau’s 2024 Budget $150 Million to Promote ‘2SLGBTQI+’

Canadian Government Increases Support for 2SLGBTQI+ Initiatives in 2024 Budget

Expansion of Equity Groups and Financial Commitments

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has announced significant financial commitments in its 2024 budget to support and promote 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives both domestically and internationally. A substantial sum of $150 million is allocated over the next decade to support these efforts. This funding aims to foster the first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which takes a comprehensive government-wide approach to prioritizing and supporting actions within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Modernizing the Employment Equity Act

In line with modernizing employment standards, the 2024 budget proposes amendments to the Employment Equity Act. These amendments include expanding the designated equity groups to incorporate individuals identifying as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexually and gender-diverse people. Currently, the act covers women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. This expansion reflects the government’s effort to include more diverse groups under the act’s protection.

Strategic Focus on LGBT Rights and Inclusion

The government’s plan includes embedding 2SLGBTQI+ issues within the framework of government operations and advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights both within Canada and globally. This initiative comes on the heels of a December report which suggested moving away from purely merit-based hiring practices towards those favoring minority groups, aiming to correct underrepresentation in the workforce.

Recent Funding and Support for LGBT Initiatives

Historically, the Trudeau government has shown consistent support for LGBT-related initiatives. Notably, in June of the previous year, during LGBT pride month, the government allocated $1.5 million in what was termed “emergency funding” to enhance security for organizations conducting pride parades. Additionally, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, records show that $12 million was dedicated to supporting pride events, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to these causes.