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LGBTQ+, women groups brace for funding cuts as Ottawa looks to trim spending

On Nov. 4, LGBTQ+ and women's groups brace for funding cuts as the Women and Gender Equality Canada schedule forecasts a drop from $407 million to $76 million and staff cuts from 444 to 254.
With an austerity budget coming on Nov. 4, the government has asked cabinet ministers to find `ambitious` spending cuts as Prime Minister Mark Carney mentions gender issues less than predecessor Justin Trudeau.
Following safety threats, Steinbach Pride was canceled despite Ottawa allocating $76 million over three years for Pride security, and the Canadian Pride Caucus held a reception this month on Parliament Hill.
Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, urged activists to speak out, saying she needs advocacy as groups call for permanent funding for the national action plan on gender-based violence.
With economic strain and political divisions, groups foresee heightened risks as sexual assault rises during economic hardship and transgender people face right-wing backlash, while Melissa Lantsman and Eric Duncan remain outside the Pride Caucus.

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