GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute to their communities. Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organizations are driving meaningful change across the country, yet many still face barriers to getting the resources they need to maintain and grow their work. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in these organisations so they can continue supporting their communities and reaching more people.
As the National Black Canadians Summit takes place in Winnipeg, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, is announcing funding for the Black Canadian Communities Program. The Government of Canada will invest $135.7 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, and $27.1 million annually thereafter.
Building on the progress achieved through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada is launching the Black Canadian Communities Program. Since 2019, the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative has funded more than 3,000 projects across Canada.
The Black Canadian Communities Program will support projects that benefit Black children and families, while also helping Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organizations access funding, build stronger organizations and reach more people in their communities. Together, these investments will create opportunities and improve the quality of life for Black Canadians.
In addition, the Government of Canada is investing more than $800,000 in the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. This funding supports the 2026 National Black Canadians Summit and the Foundation's Power of Youth Initiative, which l provides grants to youth-led organizations and helps young people create positive change in their communities.
Investing in Black communities is an investment in Canada's future. By supporting the people and organisations driving change across the country, these investments will help create lasting opportunities and stronger communities for generations to come.
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"Across Canada, Black organizations and community leaders are doing incredible work to support families, create opportunities, and strengthen their communities. The Black Canadian Communities Program builds on that leadership by investing in community-driven solutions that help remove barriers and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Black Canadians and for all Canadians."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada co-sponsored the second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (the Decade), which spans from January 2025 to December 2034.
- In recognition of the first Decade, the government invested more than $200 million through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative to celebrate, share knowledge and build foundational infrastructure in Canada's vibrant Black communities since 2019. As a result, more than 3,000 projects have been funded.
- Since 2018, Canada has committed more than $1 billion to empower Black communities, improve their physical and mental health and socio-economic welfare, and build a country where they can succeed.
- Information on grants and contributions funding for the Black Canadian Communities Program will be available in the coming months.
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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Contacts, For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic, Development Agency for Northern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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