The Issue: Over 70 countries around the world criminalize gender and sexual diversity. Tens of thousands of LGBTQI+ people flee contexts of criminalization and violence in their countries of origin every single year. Canada has a long and proud history advancing human rights for LGBTQI+ people - a legacy begun and strengthened by Canadian governments since the early 2000s.
Canada has welcomed LGBTQI+ refugees, spoken out against human rights violations and funded efforts to uphold human rights and address discrimination, as part of broader international aid and development efforts. In 2025, the human rights and freedom of LGBTQI+ people is under threat, with new countries introducing anti-LGBTQI+ legislation and a broader backlash to LGBTI+ inclusion and anti-discrimination efforts. In these tumultuous and polarized times, Canada must remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting LGBTQI+ people at home and abroad.
Our Calls to Action
- For all candidates and political parties to commit to maintaining Canada’s commitments on international LGBTQI+ issues, inclusive of support for LGBTQI+ refugees and funding for LGBTQI+ anti-discrimination and human rights promotion.