Canada's Queer Movement heads to Parliament Hill to Call for Renewal of 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan

Over forty 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied organizations head to Parliament Hill to call for a renewed and strengthened 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and advocates from across Canada are gathering on Parliament Hill on October 6th for the largest 2SLGBTQIA+ Day on the Hill in Canadian history. Together, they are calling for a renewed and strengthened federal 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan. Without an investment in Budget 2026, the Action Plan will expire in March 2027.

At a time when 2SLGBTQI+ communities are facing growing challenges at home and abroad, Canada cannot step back from a funded national Action Plan.

If the 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan expires, the Government of Canada's efforts to advance equality, uphold rights and support vulnerable 2SLGBTQIA+ people will slow. Whole programs will grind to a halt, and progress will be under threat. If the action plan is not renewed, it will be taken as a sign - by queer people and the world - that Canada is turning its back on 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Six of Canada's leading 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, including Queer Momentum, Rainbow Railroad, Egale Canada, Pride at Work Canada, Fierte Canada Pride and Dignity Network Canada, have come together to power this day of action, with over 40 queer, trans and allied organizations from across the country participating.

"I want to underscore the significance of over 40 queer, trans and allied organizations coming together to demand leadership from Prime Minister Carney, our government and parliamentarians." says Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of Queer Momentum, "These are front-line organizations - coming to Ottawa takes time away from the everyday work of supporting queer people in their local communities - but they've come anyways, because they're worried about the federal government's commitment to queer people and they know what's at stake if the action plan expires."

Throughout October 6th, delegates will be meeting with Senators, Members of Parliament and Ministers to call for a renewed and expanded Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, with the day culminating in a reception in the Senate of Canada co-hosted by the Canadian Pride Caucus and 2SLGBTQIA+ civil society organizations.

"Canada cannot credibly champion 2SLGBTQI+ rights abroad without investing in the community's capacity and safety at home." Says Latoya Nugent, Chief of Communications and Advocacy with Rainbow Railroad, "A renewed federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan is how we protect hard-won gains, respond to emerging threats, and ensure 2SLGBTQI+  people can participate fully in Canada's future and our economy. Domestic investment is what gives Canada the credibility to lead globally."

"Through Egale's research and advocacy, we see the gap between legal equality and the realities 2SLGBTQI people face every day. The first federal Action Plan helped strengthen the organizations working to close that gap," says Jennifer Boyce, Director of Communications, Egale Canada. "Now, Canada must renew and expand it, with sustained investment and concrete action on healthcare, housing and the hate threatening our communities. That work must be shaped by the people whose lives it affects."

"Local queer and trans organizations like the Queer and Trans Health Collective here in Edmonton are under immense pressure. Local need is increasing, given the rise of hate and the cost of living crisis. Everyone is struggling - and our community is particularly vulnerable," says QC Gu, Education and Advocacy Manager at the Queer and Trans Health Collective. "At the same time, 90% of LGBTQ+ organizations around the world have seen reductions in funding since January 2025. If the Action Plan isn't renewed, organizations like ours will be placed between a rock and a hard place - with decreasing funding and increasing need. That's why we're calling for renewal, to help keep the doors open for organizations our communities rely on."

A renewed Action Plan would support front-line services, housing, healthcare, support for LGBTQ+ refugees, and economic and business development. Participating organizations are urging the federal government to protect the capacity of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, strengthen the services communities rely on, and advance 2SLGBTQI+ equality in Canada and internationally.

All of those quoted above, and our delegates from across Canada, are available for interviews about the organization's participation, the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and what renewed federal investment could mean for queer and trans communities.

About Queer Momentum

Queer Momentum is a national 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy organization founded in response to the rise of anti-trans and anti-queer hate. Through advocacy campaigns, grassroots support and coalition-building, we power Canada's queer movement and organize for freedom, equality and human rights. Website: QueerMomentum.ca

SOURCE Society of Queer Momentum

Media contact*: Fae Johnstone, Executive Director, Queer Momentum, [email protected], 613-897-1176; *Contact us and we will connect you with relevant spokespeople.