Budget 2026 includes $60 million commitment over four years beginning in 2027, additional $15 million in annual ongoing funding
The United Church of Canada welcomes the federal government's investment in 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities through its newly released 2026 Budget, including a commitment of $60 million over four years beginning in 2027–28, and an additional $15 million in ongoing annual funding through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.
Combined with previous commitments announced in last year’s budget, ongoing federal support for 2S and LGBTQIA+ initiatives will now reach $25.9 million annually, providing greater stability for community organizations that advance safety, inclusion, and equal opportunity across Canada.
“Budget 2026 is a significant and welcome step forward that demonstrates the federal government's commitment to building more inclusive communities in Canada and abroad,” says Jane Thirikwa, Program Coordinator, Global Advocacy 2S and LGBTQIA+. “Community organizations have consistently called for stable and sustainable funding to support their work and the communities they serve.”
Sustainable, predictable funding enables organizations to retain staff, plan for the future, and respond effectively to emerging challenges. The government’s announcement reflects years of advocacy from community leaders, civil society organizations, and faith communities. This includes The United Church of Canada, which actively lobbied the federal government to renew and strengthen its Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan before its scheduled expiry in March 2027.
The church advocates for continued support for international LGBTQIA+ programming, and for the recognition of faith-based organizations as important partners in advancing human rights and inclusion. As hate, discrimination, and misinformation targeting 2S and LGBTQIA+ people rises locally and globally, proactive initiatives to strengthen community capacity and foster belonging are more important than ever.
We lament that churches and faith communities have and continue to play a role in the oppression of 2S and LGBTQIA+ peoples. This is why it is particularly crucial for faith communities to play a role in challenging exclusion, building understanding, and supporting people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Through its work in Canada and globally, The United Church highlights the importance of locally-led approaches, partnership, and learning, recognizing that lasting social change requires more than legal and policy reform. It also requires engagement with the institutions, community leaders, and social norms that shape public attitudes and lived experiences.
While today's announcement marks important progress, continued collaboration will be essential to ensure these investments deliver lasting change and advance equality for all 2S and LGBTQIA+ people—both in Canada and abroad.
The United Church is keen to continue to work with the federal government and community partners to strengthen the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.