Announcement includes $54.6 million over five years starting in 2026–27, plus ongoing funding
The United Church of Canada welcomes yesterday’s announcement, by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez, of renewed federal funding to advance equality and build safer, more inclusive communities for women, girls, and 2S and LGBTQIA+ people across Canada.
Included in the announcement is $54.6 million over five years starting in 2026–27, with $10.9 million ongoing, to support national and local 2S and LGBTQIA+ community organizations across Canada. It also includes $7.5 million over five years, with $1.5 million ongoing, for safety and security at Pride events.
“This announcement strengthens the collective work of all who believe that equality is not optional,” said Jane Thirikwa, Program Coordinator for 2S and LGBTQIA+ Global Advocacy at the United Church of Canada. “We are grateful for the continued partnership of communities working to advance dignity and safety for all.”
This investment of stable and predictable funding represents an important step toward empowering women, addressing gender-based violence, and supporting 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, especially at this critical moment when there is increased pushback against human rights around the world. Canada’s continued support for these critical justice issues at home sends a positive and hopeful message around the world.
In September, the United Church was among a coalition of 2S, LGBTQIA+, and allied organizations that called on the government to stand firm in its commitments to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities as we approach the upcoming federal budget.
Additionally, at the recent 45th General Council in August 2025, the United Church issued an apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, recognizing that past and present harms to community members, including exclusion, are rooted in systemic discrimination. The Church of Norway also recently issued a formal apology for its past treatment of LGBTQIA+ people. By acknowledging these failures, the church bodies move beyond mere words to tangible processes of institutional and social change.
As a faith community with a long-standing commitment to social justice and global human rights, the United Church continues to advocate for the dignity and safety of all people – particularly those facing discrimination and religion-based hate in religious and public spaces. The Church’s 2S and LGBTQIA+ Global Advocacy Program has worked alongside local and international partners to challenge systemic exclusion, advance equality, and promote solidarity grounded in faith.