Security funding to support Pride organizations amidst increased hate

Every day, Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities face discrimination, persecution, and violence. Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities helps build a safer, equitable and inclusive Canada. Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.5 million for Fierté Canada Pride to administer funding to support security needs for Pride festivals this season. This funding will help offset rising security and insurance costs for events across the country, amid rising levels of 2SLGBTQI+ hate. These costs could include additional security resources and training to increase the capacity of volunteers and community members. In addition to security funding for Pride festivals, Budget 2024 also proposed $12 million over five years for projects to combat hate against the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. To confront hate in all its forms...