Advocates are urging the federal government to commit to a 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan in today’s federal budget.
The co-chair of St. John’s Pride, Eddy St. Coeur, says if the Prime Minister wants to “build Canada strong”, then targeted investment is needed.
St. Coeur told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan that he was encouraged by the endorsement received by all provincial parties in advocating for same.
Eddy St. Coeur (VOCM News)
He says when St. John’s Pride reached out to the three major political parties to ask if they would consider writing to the Ottawa office about funding for those community organizations, the parties immediately agreed.
“That was the end of the discussion,” says St. Coeur. “They all said ‘yes, absolutely’.”
Canadian queer advocate Fae Johnstone says if groups such as St. John’s Pride, Quadrangle NL and Queer Momentum Canada don’t get the investment they’re looking for, it will be considered a “slap to the face.”
Executive Director of Queer Momentum Fae Johnstone (via Fae Johnstone/Facebook)
Johnstone says they’re looking for $90 million a year for targeted services and admits what they’re seeking might sound like “pie in the sky,” but is necessary.
She acknowledges it sounds like a lot of money, but she says the money keeps the doors open on local services that their community relies on.
“You know, when a gay kid gets kicked out of their home or when a trans person is struggling with their mental health – these are the services that they go to,” says Johnstone.
