OTTAWA—The Honorable Minister Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, issued the following statement to kick off Pride Season in Canada.
"Today marks the start of Pride Season, a special time to celebrate the diversity and many contributions of LGBTQ2 communities across Canada, and to reflect on the road toward inclusion, equality, and appreciation. It's also a time to remember the trailblazing activists that risked everything to fight for equality. We owe so much to the change-makers who came before us, and the people that fearlessly share their stories. By living their truth and advocating for LGBTQ2 rights and protections, LGBTQ2 Canadians have helped to create a safer, and more inclusive Canada for LGBTQ2 people and all Canadians.”
Ien’s statement highlighted the difficult journeys and the ongoing challenges that LGBTQ2 people face. These challenges also make it difficult for people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and the Racialized.
Her news release presented some important accomplishments attained over the past year, that helped to build a more equitable and inclusive Canada. These accomplishments included the government announcement of an extension of $7.5 for community initiatives to help overcome key issues facing LGBTQ2 communities.
The Minister spoke about the unveiling of the design for the LGBTQ2+ National Monument, Thunderhead that is meant to symbolize the strength and hope of the LGBTQ2+ communities.
The government of Canada through her Ministry and Budget 2022, plans on investing $100 million over the next five years to support and implement the upcoming Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan, which Minister Ien expects to launch later this year. Its goal it to promote LGBTQ2 equality, protect LGBTQ2 rights, and address discrimination against LGBTQ2 communities.
Today is a special day and to celebrate the start of Pride Season in Canada, Minister Marcy Ien plans on being on Parliament Hill to watch as the country raises the Progress Pride Flag, and reminds us, as she states “That discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, has no place in our country. Enjoy the celebrations and Happy Pride everyone!”