February 11th, 2020

This past week, Egale presented a written submission of recommendations to the Standing Committee on Finance at the Pre-Budget Consultations in advance of the 2020 Federal Budget. The recommendations were a result of the National LGBTQI2S Action Plan that was released last month. We called on the government to establish an LGBTQI2S Action Plan Implementation Fund for civil society organizations, effectively supporting the community and to advance and prioritize the work that is needed to build a more inclusive Canada.

The National LGBTQI2S Action Plan Plan addresses 12 priority areas that impact LGBTQI2S people in Canada. Along with each priority area, there are tangible action items for the federal government to prioritize over the next 2-4 years. The recommendations contained in the action plan are a result of extensive literature reviews, assessments of current policy and legislation, and community consultation. The 12 priority areas of LGBTQI2S inclusion in Canada are;

● Healthcare  ● Mental Health  ● Poverty Reduction  ● Housing & Homelessness  ● Employment Access  ● Education  ● Sports Inclusion  ● Seniors  ● Justice Reform  ● Intersex Rights ● Asylum System Reform  ● International Assistance

Highlighted throughout the report are opportunities for the government to take action on key legislation changes like conversion therapy, blood ban and rights for intersex people among others. Other overarching actions include improving data collection and research, community consultation, access to gender affirming healthcare, and more.

The National LGBTQI2S Action Plan is a result of community input and will continue to be developed as such. We call on your support to help implement these actions.

Download National Action Plan HERE`

Donate today to help us build a more inclusive Canada!

Helen Kennedy, Executive Director