YWCA Canada celebrates today’s announcement of new federal funding to advance gender equality, support efforts to end gender-based violence, and support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the country.  

Alongside many of our national feminist partner organizations, YWCA Canada’s National CEO Aline Nizigama attended the funding announcement at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, announced new funding commitments ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget, joined by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services. 

They shared the upcoming Budget 2025 will include significant investments to advance gender equality and support communities across Canada: 

• $54.6 million over five years to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including $7.5 million over five years and $1.5 million ongoing for security at Pride events. 

• $223.4 million over five years and $44.7 million ongoing to strengthen federal action against gender-based violence, including funding for organizations that support survivors, including Indigenous and underserved communities. 

• $382.5 million over five years and $76.5 million ongoing to revitalize and stabilize efforts to advance women’s equality in Canada. 

“At YWCA Canada, we are extremely heartened by this news,” says National CEO Aline Nizigama. “The need for this investment could not be more urgent. We are feeling optimistic and look forward to seeing continued commitments to women’s rights and gender equality in next week’s budget.” 

At a time when progress on gender equality is at risk of stalling—or even reversing—YWCA Canada warmly welcomes this investment. We celebrate the government’s commitment to stable, continuous, sustainable funding to advance gender equity and inclusion across Canada.  

We wish to acknowledge that the government’s engagement with feminist organizations, and the work of the Members of Parliament who championed this investment from within government, and express our appreciation for this investment. Their leadership and collaboration have made this important progress possible, and we extend our deep appreciation for their continued partnership. 

As Canada’s largest and oldest gender equity organization, YWCA Canada stands ready to work in partnership with Minister Valdez and the federal government to ensure these commitments translate into lasting, measurable change. 

Read the full Government of Canada announcement here: Supporting the Department for Women and Gender Equality.