The Right Honourable Mark Carney 
Prime Minister of Canada 
Office of the Prime Minister 
80 Wellington Street 
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

 May 28, 2025 

Dear Prime Minister Carney, 

On behalf of Egale Canada, we extend our sincere congratulations on your recent election. We look forward to working with your government in continuing to advance equality and human rights for all people in Canada, including 2SLGBTQI communities. 

Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. We improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Our work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal and none is other. 

We worked closely with the previous government to achieve greater equality for the benefit of all Canadians, including contributing a report that helped lead to the historic apology to victims of the LGBT Purge and 2SLGBTQI people in Canada more broadly1, and strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion for public servants through the Employment Equity Act Review.2 

In order to continue our work together to advance a more inclusive Canada, we urge your government to take an intersectional approach by including 2SLGBTQI perspectives in decision-making on all issues. While there are many urgent issues facing our country right now, ensuring that no one is left behind is how we can best move forward.  

One of the most pressing challenges we are currently facing is the sharp and sustained rise in hate targeting 2SLGBTQI people across Canada. Statistics Canada has reported that in 2023, hate crimes targeting sexual orientation increased 69% from the previous year.3 These numbers are alarming but unsurprising, as this trend has been ongoing for years. From 2016-2023, police-reported hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation have increased a staggering 388%.4 

From this latest increase in hate crimes, to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warning of ongoing threats of violence5, to individual drag performers and local 2SLGBTQI community organizations needing to  take legal action to protect themselves6, this trend of increasing violence and hate shows no signs of slowing down — particularly hate targeting trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals.  To see these forms of hate taking place in Canada is deeply alarming — and demands urgent action and leadership at the highest levels of government. 

Beyond the harm being caused to vulnerable communities, rising hate targeting 2SLGBTQI people also poses a very real threat to Canada’s economic well-being. Research shows that when 2SLGBTQI people are excluded from fully participating in society because of their identity, it hurts the economy.7 On the other hand, legal rights for 2SLGBTQI people are linked to higher per capita GDP by reducing barriers to education, training, and employment.8 

When 2SLGBTQI people are included in the economy, everyone benefits because of their buying power, contributions to the workforce, and role in tourism. 2SLGBTQI consumers make up 4.4% of Canada’s $3.7 billion CAD consumer-packaged goods market,9 and Pride festivals boost local economies — increasing activity by 12% in U.S. cities (2018–2023), with similar growth in Canada.10 

Despite this potential, our communities still face persistent economic barriers, including higher rates of unemployment and discrimination in housing, education, and healthcare. These inequities are even more acute for Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people.11 Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of justice — it’s a smart investment in Canada’s shared prosperity. 

In addition to dealing with rising hate, 2SGLBTQI communities in Canada have had their very identities increasingly politicized in recent years. This has led to a heightened need for organizations like Egale to undertake legal action to protect the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQI Canadians.  

We have also recently seen some political leaders using their mantle to undermine public confidence in the judiciary. A strong functioning democracy with strong rule of law protections for all Canadians, including minority populations, is something that cannot be taken for granted. This is why all three branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial — must be strong. 

Given this climate of rising hate, we call on the Government of Canada to: 

  1. Strengthen Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate 
    In light of the alarming rise in hate targeting 2SLGBTQI communities, we urge the government to update Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate to include more targeted and sustained support for 2SLGBTQI individuals. This update must be carried out in meaningful consultation with 2SLGBTQI organizations that are best positioned to identify community needs and effective interventions. 
  1. Address Online Hate Targeting 2SLGBTQI Communities  
    As the government advances strategies to tackle online hate, it is essential that 2SLGBTQI communities are explicitly included in consultation and prioritization. The unique forms of digital hate and harassment faced by 2SLGBTQI communities must be addressed in a focused and informed manner. 
  1. Ensure 2SLGBTQI Inclusion in Mental Health Care Plans 
    We were encouraged to see a comprehensive approach to mental health care included in your platform. Given the disproportionate mental health challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI communities — exacerbated by rising anti-2SLGBTQI hate, and barriers to affirming and competent care12 — we strongly recommend that the national mental health strategy explicitly address the specific needs of 2SLGBTQI individuals. 
  1. Commit to never using the notwithstanding clause to limit the Charter rights and protections of Canadians 
    All Canadians benefit when the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is upheld.  We call on this government to prioritize efforts that strengthen Canada’s democratic institutions, including respect for a strong independent judiciary. Specifically, we ask that the government commit to never using the notwithstanding clause to limit the Charter rights and protections of Canadians. 
  1. Be a Visible and Vocal Ally in a Time of Rising Hate 
    In this climate of increasing hostility and discrimination, we call on the government to be a visible and vocal champion of 2SLGBTQI inclusion. Leadership matters — and more than ever, it is vital that the Government of Canada actively affirm the rights, safety, and dignity of 2SLGBTQI people across the country. 

We hope to continue the strong relationship and meaningful partnership we built with the previous government and urge you to carry forward that legacy. As Canada’s leading 2SLGBTQI organization, we invite members of your senior staff to meet with us at your earliest convenience to discuss these urgent issues, and to explore how we can work together to create a safer, more equitable, and inclusive Canada for all. 

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to your response. 

 Sincerely, 

Helen Kennedy 

Executive Director 
Egale Canada  

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