Queer Momentum applauds the Government of Canada’s announcement of continued investment in gender equality and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Today’s announcement of continued investment in Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) was made possible by the powerful advocacy of advocates and allies across Canada.
In Ottawa this afternoon, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne, and Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Rechie Valdez, announced that the Government of Canada will be making significant investments to support women, girls, and 2SLGTBQIA+ people across Canada.
These commitments include:
- $54.6 million over five years starting in 2026-27, with $10.9 million ongoing, to support LGBTQ communities.
- $7.5 million over five years, with $1.5 million ongoing, for security at Pride events.
- $382.5 million over five years starting in 2026-27, with $76.5 million ongoing, to advance women’s equality in Canada by improving their economic security and participation in leadership roles.
This decision builds on over a decade of strong, collaborative progress in advancing equality, addressing violence, and investing in the economic prosperity of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. These investments are both morally right and fiscally sound: human and social infrastructure - from women's shelters to queer counselling programs to employment skills training for marginalized communities - are what make Canada work, and work for people of all kinds.
This is an important step and signal of commitment from the federal government. While this is a victory for queer and trans communities, we must continue to speak up and take action to safeguard progress and ensure Canada does not step back from our shared commitment to gender equality and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
Queer Momentum is grateful to the Ministers and MPs for their efforts to secure these commitments. In addition, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the 180+ organizations who joined our call for renewed funding for the WAGE, and the thousands of individual supporters across Canada who took action by emailing, calling, or meeting with their MPs. This progress is thanks in large part to your determination and passion.