Statement by Minister Rechie Valdez on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Women and Gender Equality Canada

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), issued the next assertion on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia:

“Everyone in Canada deserves the liberty to reside a protected and wholesome life, no matter who they’re or who they love. The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a chance to problem the fears and biases that contribute to stigma and discrimination confronted by 2SLGBTQI+ folks.

Discrimination in opposition to 2SLGBTQI+ folks in areas resembling employment, housing, healthcare, and schooling impacts their wellbeing and limits financial and social participation. Across Canada, 2SLGBTQI+ communities make invaluable contributions to our tradition, financial system and society on daily basis. For instance, greater than 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned companies have generated over $22 billion in financial exercise and employed greater than 435,000 folks nationwide. Through the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, the federal authorities is investing $25 million to assist 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs overcome boundaries in beginning and rising their companies.

But there can solely be prosperity and equality when there may be security, be it at work, in our communities, or at house. Through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, the federal authorities helps community-led tasks that tackle hate and advances equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Through Budget 2025, the federal authorities is offering $54.6 million over 5 years, with $10.9 million ongoing, to assist the 2SLGBTQI+ group sector. This consists of $7.5 million over 5 years, with $1.5 million ongoing, to help Pride festivals with the rising safety and insurance coverage prices, wanted on account of growing anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate.

These investments replicate the significance of guaranteeing that 2SLGBTQI+ communities really feel protected, supported, and empowered to totally take part in all elements of Canadian life.

Treating one another with dignity and respect, no matter gender identification, gender expression, or sexual orientation, helps construct a rustic the place all Canadians can take part as their true selves.”