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No matter if it’s housing, healthcare, the economy, or anything in between, every election issue affects 2SLGBTQI communities. That’s why it’s essential for 2SLGBTQI experiences to be understood in elections at every level.
Egale Canada has launched Vote with Pride, ahead of the upcoming federal election. Vote with Pride aims to increase awareness about the ways in which election issues are 2SLGBTQI issues.
Through the Vote with Pride pledge, educational resources, and accessible voter information, Vote with Pride fosters meaningful civic engagement, builds a more inclusive political future – and with hope – ensures that all voters feel empowered to step forward and truly Vote with Pride.
Head to the polls with a deeper understanding of how election issues affect 2SLGBTQI communities. Join us in ensuring we can all come together and Vote with Pride:
→ Pledge to Vote with Pride
→ Learn about how election issues are 2SLGBTQI issues
→ Find voter information
→ And more.
Visit egale.ca/votewithpride to learn more.
Free Webinar
In this 60-minute webinar, participants will learn about the 2SLGBTQI experiences of common campaign issues such as employment and labour, housing, healthcare, youth, the economy and more.
💬 English only
🕒 60-minutes
🖥️ Webinar
Join us on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 12pm ET
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Inclusion is good for the economy. When 2SLGBTQI people are excluded from fully participating in society because of their identity, it hurts the economy. Research shows that this exclusion slows down economic growth. On the other hand, when 2SLGBTQI people are included in the economy, everyone benefits because of their buying power, contributions to the workforce, and role in tourism.
Inclusion also boosts productivity, innovation, and public income. Countries that support legal rights for 2SLGBTQI people tend to see growth in their economies. Investing in things like education, job opportunities, and healthcare for 2SLGBTQI people helps economies grow. So, when 2SLGBTQI people are included, it’s good for all of Canada.
However, 2SLGBTQI people still face many barriers that limit their economic opportunities and well-being. They are especially impacted by the affordability crisis, facing more discrimination in the workplace, housing, healthcare, and education. Many 2SLGBTQI people experience harassment and discrimination at work, often ending up in low-paying or unstable jobs, which leads to higher rates of unemployment, especially for Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 53% of 2SLGBTQI people faced job losses or reduced hours. Discrimination in education also leads to higher dropout rates, which limits access to better-paying jobs. Additionally, 2SLGBTQI people often face healthcare challenges because of past negative or discriminatory experiences with the system. These inequalities make it harder for 2SLGBTQI people to meet basic needs and live healthy lives, especially as the cost of living rises.
The Canadian economy is a diverse and resource-rich system. As one of the world’s largest economies, Canada benefits from its vast reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals, and timber, which contribute significantly to its GDP and exports. Additionally, Canada has robust manufacturing, technology, and service industry sectors, which together account for a large portion of the country’s GDP (Government of Canada, 2025).
Canada’s economy operates with a high level of decentralization, meaning that provincial and territorial governments have considerable power over key economic policies, particularly when it comes to managing resources and infrastructure (Government of Canada, 2021). The federal government oversees national economic matters, such as trade, monetary policy, and taxation, while provincial governments handle issues like healthcare, education, and social programs.
Trade plays a crucial role in Canada’s economy. While Canada has strong trade relations with many countries, the United States remains Canada’s largest trading partner, with trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) further solidifying this economic bond (Government of Canada, 2024). However, this relationship is currently volatile, with the United States waging a trade war against Canada that will have far-reaching economic impacts on both sides of the border.
Affordability has become a growing concern across the country, particularly for housing, food, and everyday expenses. The rising cost of living has outpaced wage growth, making it increasingly difficult for many people in Canada to afford basic necessities (Paas-Lang, 2022). Inflation has significantly impacted the affordability of basic needs, such as food, transportation, and utilities (Evans, 2022; The Canadian Press, 2025). The cost of groceries has surged due to supply chain disruptions, climate-related factors, and corporate price increases. Many individuals in Canada are now turning to food banks at unprecedented rates, highlighting the growing challenge of food insecurity (Food Banks Canada, n.d.). Additionally, gas prices and public transit costs have increased, placing further strain on low- and middle-income households (Walter, 2024). While federal and provincial governments have implemented temporary relief measures, such as grocery rebates and fuel subsidies, long-term solutions are needed to ensure financial stability for vulnerable populations.
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2SLGBTQI people in Canada face ongoing challenges when it comes to healthcare. Even though Canada has a universal healthcare system, many 2SLGBTQI individuals struggle to access care, especially mental health and gender-affirming services. High rates of anxiety and depression are common in these communities, but many delay seeking care because of costs, fear of discrimination, fear of being outed, or concerns about being treated badly. This fear can lead to delays in diagnoses, not following medical advice, or ignoring healthcare needs. For 2SLGBTQI people of colour, these issues are made worse by racism within the healthcare system, leading to more frustration, feelings of insecurity, and uncertainty.
The pandemic made these challenges even worse by limiting access to mental health services and gender-affirming care. Like in many other places, 2SLGBTQI people in Canada face unique healthcare challenges that are shaped by both broader systemic issues and specific needs related to their identities. As a result, the healthcare system remains unsafe and unwelcoming for many 2SLGBTQI people, especially for trans and nonbinary individuals.
Trans and gender-diverse people face even more hurdles, such as long wait times, inconsistent coverage, and a lack of healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about gender-affirming care. This lack of expertise among healthcare providers can result in poor treatment or not meeting their specific needs, which leads to emotional distress and unmet healthcare needs.
Accessing care is especially difficult for 2SLGBTQI people in rural areas and older individuals. People in rural areas face extra challenges due to long travel distances and limited healthcare options. Older 2SLGBTQI adults often encounter unfriendly healthcare providers and lack spaces that are welcoming for them. The need to travel to cities for care makes it even harder for them to access the healthcare they need regularly.
Healthcare in Canada operates under a publicly funded, universal system called Medicare (Government of Canada, 2023). Medicare ensures that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to medically necessary services regardless of their income or geography, as outlined in Canada’s Health Act (1984) (Government of Canada, 2023).
Healthcare is primarily the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments, with the federal government providing funding through taxation (Government of Canada, 2023). Services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and diagnostic tests are covered, though some services such as prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care may vary by province and age-demographic. Individuals in Canada typically access healthcare through their family doctor for general health and preventive care, with referrals to specialists as needed. Emergency care is also covered, with some provinces regulating non-emergency services like ambulance costs.
Mental healthcare is severely underfunded and is not engrained in Canada’s universal healthcare system. Unlike other medical services available to citizens and permanent residents free of charge, a significant financial barrier exists for many individuals in Canada to access mental healthcare (Government of Canada, 2024).
The Canadian healthcare system is also reeling from under-funding and strain from the COVID-19 pandemic (Tasker, 2022). Many hospitals across the country are over-capacity, lack trained personnel, face extreme delays for surgeries and procedures, coupled with an increased need for mental health related services. At this time, the Canadian healthcare system is facing a crisis (Tasker, 2022).
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Access to adequate housing is a fundamental human right in Canada. Housing in Canada includes a mix of public and private systems, with federal, provincial, and municipal governments playing crucial roles in providing affordable housing and supporting vulnerable populations. Despite these efforts, homelessness is still a big problem, with 2% of Canadians experiencing homelessness each year and 10.5% facing hidden homelessness. The housing market is under pressure, especially in major cities where demand is higher than supply, leading to more competition and rising prices.
2SLGBTQI communities face unique challenges in finding affordable, accessible, and stable housing. They are twice as likely to experience homelessness, have higher rates of unstable housing, own homes less often, and often face discrimination. 2SLGBTQI youth are especially overrepresented among homeless youth. Trans and gender-diverse individuals often end up in unsafe housing situations and are frequently denied housing. Indigenous and racialized 2SLGBTQI people face even more challenges due to a mix of race, sexuality, and socio-economic factors, including racial profiling and discrimination from landlords and community members.
For some, shelters can offer temporary housing, but accessing them is difficult for 2SLGBTQI people due to discrimination and a lack of understanding. Many shelters follow traditional gender norms or binary gender policies, which don’t accommodate trans and non-binary people. Shelters can also be places where harassment and violence are common, especially for sex workers and racialized 2SLGBTQI individuals.
To improve housing and reduce homelessness, the federal government introduced the National Housing Strategy Act (2019) and the National Housing Strategy (2017). However, these plans don’t fully address the needs of the communities most affected, especially 2SLGBTQI individuals.
Housing in Canada is a mix of public and private systems. The housing market is primarily driven by private developers and homeowners, but the government plays a significant role in providing affordable housing and supporting vulnerable populations.
At the federal level, the government oversees programs that fund affordable housing projects, supports repairs for existing homes, and assists low-income renters (Government of Canada, n.d.). Provincial and territorial governments manage the implementation of these programs, often creating policies and funding housing projects specific to their region’s needs (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, n.d.; Ontario, 2024). Municipal governments are responsible for local housing policies, including zoning, land-use planning, and developing affordable housing projects. They also manage rental markets, which are often strained in larger cities where demand outpaces supply.
Homeownership in Canada is common, with many Canadians owning their homes through mortgages. Renters make up a large portion of the population, particularly in major cities, where renting is often more affordable than buying (Statistics Canada, 2025).
Homelessness is also a pressing issue, with many individuals facing a lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, or systemic barriers. While there are various shelters and support programs, the need for more stable, affordable housing remains a significant challenge (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2018).
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In Canada, everyone has the right to work in an environment free of discrimination. However, many 2SLGBTQI people still face harassment, harmful practices, and obstacles when trying to get or keep a job. A large number of 2SLGBTQI individuals experience discrimination and harassment at work, with many leaving their jobs because they don’t feel accepted. As a result, many try to hide or downplay parts of their identity when looking for work.
Workplace discrimination can also hurt mental health, especially for Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people in industries that are dominated by cisgender men. Access to mental health care is another challenge, leaving many 2SLGBTQI people without the support they need, which impacts their ability to succeed in the workforce. Older 2SLGBTQI people face additional challenges due to past discrimination and the criminalization of 2SLGBTQI identities, which affects their financial security today.
When they are employed, 2SLGBTQI individuals are often overrepresented in low-paying and unstable jobs, leading to financial insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these problems, with 46% of 2SLGBTQI people losing their jobs since March 2020. Many also face unfair layoffs and hiring discrimination, with additional barriers based on heteronormativity and settler-colonialism, further limiting their job opportunities.
In Canada, individuals have the right to a workplace free of discrimination (Government of Canada, 2024). To protect this right, there are numerous programs and laws in place across the country. Employment and labour laws are designed to protect workers’ rights while ensuring fair and safe working conditions. Employment standards are primarily regulated at the provincial and territorial levels, with each jurisdiction having its own set of laws governing minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and workplace safety.
Canadian labour law provides a legal framework that protects workers’ rights to unionize, engage in collective bargaining, and take job action such as strikes. These laws are governed by both federal and provincial legislation, with key statutes including the federal Canadian Labour Code (1985) (Government of Canada, 2022). Key principles of Canadian labour law include the right to unionize as well as protection for workers against unfair labour practices (Government of Canada, 2022). Canadian labour laws protect workers’ rights to organize and prevent employer retaliation, ensuring unions play a crucial role in advocating for job security, equitable labour practices, and workplace safety (Government of Canada, 2022).
The federal government regulates industries under its jurisdiction, such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation (Government of Canada, 2022). Workers are protected from discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal through various human rights and employment laws, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act (1985) and the Employment Equity Act (1995).
Additionally, workers’ compensation programs, like the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, provide financial support to workers in case of injury, illness, or job loss. Overall, these framework aims to balance the needs of both employers and employees to ensure a fair and equitable labour market.
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2SLGBTQI seniors and older adults face challenges that make the normal difficulties of aging even harder. In the past, many 2SLGBTQI seniors faced discrimination at work, especially in public service, the military, and other areas. This has affected their financial security and ability to find stable housing, and it continues to impact them as they age. Housing remains a big issue, with many 2SLGBTQI seniors living in unaffordable homes and needing to go back to work to meet basic needs. Some 2SLGBTQI seniors choose to move to rural areas to lower costs, but this comes with its own problem: fewer healthcare options, forcing them to choose between healthcare and affordable housing.
Access to healthcare is a major barrier for many 2SLGBTQI seniors. They often have trouble finding doctors or navigating the healthcare system. Past discrimination has led to mistrust of institutions, making it harder for them to seek care. As 2SLGBTQI seniors look for long-term care or dementia homes, they worry about discrimination, mistreatment, and being forced to hide their identities again. In Canada, there are few inclusive care options for them, meaning many 2SLGBTQI seniors choose to stay at home without formal care, leading to more social isolation since many live alone. Also, many healthcare providers aren’t trained to meet the specific needs of 2SLGBTQI seniors, such as providing gender-affirming care.
End-of-life care and aging are also major concerns for 2SLGBTQI seniors. Dementia, in particular, presents challenges, as many seniors struggle to maintain their gender and sexual identity as they experience cognitive decline.
Seniors in Canada represent a growing and diverse segment of the population, with individuals aged 65 and older making up 18% of the total population in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2024). As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline, the proportion of seniors in Canada is expected to rise.
Aging brings many challenges, such as higher healthcare needs, financial insecurity, and social isolation (Leclerc, 2024). While Canada’s healthcare system provides universal coverage, access to specialized care and long-term care facilities varies greatly across the provinces and territories. Access to some facilities is also based on an individual’s financial stability, creating a barrier in accessing care for many. Many seniors face financial difficulties, particularly for those relying on public pensions like the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted systemic issues in long-term care homes and exacerbated concerns around the state of care for seniors in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021).
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2SLGBTQI youth in Canada face serious challenges in many parts of life, including education, healthcare, and housing. They experience more discrimination, harassment, and violence than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. In particular, trans youth in Canada report very high levels of sexual harassment, and over one-third have faced physical violence or threats. These experiences can lead to poor mental health, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Even when they are harmed, 2SLGBTQI youth often lack supportive systems. Many avoid seeking help because they fear being outed, don’t trust authorities, or are worried about their privacy.
Housing insecurity is a big issue for 2SLGBTQI youth. About 25% of homeless youth identify as 2SLGBTQI, even though they make up only 5-10% of the youth population. This is often due to family rejection, discrimination in the workplace, and unsafe conditions in shelters.
2SLGBTQI students are often misunderstood and misrepresented. Despite knowing what 2SLGBTQI students need, some provinces, like Alberta and Saskatchewan, have passed policies requiring parental consent to change a student’s name or pronouns. These policies make students feel more excluded and can harm those who cannot come out to their families.
To help protect themselves from harm, 2SLGBTQI youth need supportive and affirming environments. Youth who are accepted and able to use their correct names and pronouns, and who have access to 2SLGBTQI services, report better mental health and feel safer.
Youth in Canada represent a dynamic and diverse demographic that plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. With a population of over 7 million individuals in Canada, they are full of potential (Government of Canada, 2021). Youth in Canada are more educated than previous generations and digitally well connected (Government of Canada, 2022). They are increasingly vocal about issues like climate change, social justice, and mental health. Many youth in Canada are civically engaged and work hard to hold their governments accountable (Government of Canada, 2024). Over the past decade, more youth are interested in seeing themselves represented in leadership roles and equitable employment opportunities to ensure their voices are heard and respected.
Many youth in Canada are civically engaged and work hard to hold their governments accountable. Over the past decade, more youth are interested in seeing themselves represented in leadership roles and equitable employment opportunities to ensure their voices are heard and respected (Government of Canada, 2021). Historically, youth in Canada do not have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions that affect them and their interest, whether that be at the local, national, or global levels. In Canada, youth are mobilizing to have their voices heard and their unique needs known. While initiatives at the national level, such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Council and Canada’s first State of Youth report (2021), responded to these calls, youth in Canada still have difficulties in accessing decision-making spaces (Government of Canada, 2024).
Access to education, job opportunities, and healthcare are key concerns for many, as are the challenges of navigating the emerging cost of living crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of these concerns, with career opportunities dwindling and student debt rising for many youth across the country. With more free time, many youth became entrepreneurs and adapted to a changing political and economic climate (Government of Canada, 2022).
Youth are greatly affected by the political landscape around Canada’s education system. Canada’s education system is provincially and territorially governed, also known as decentralized (Government of Canada, 2025). As a result, the federal government has very limited power to dictate how education systems are run across the country. Each province and territory has its own distinct system, composed of its own curriculum, resources, and policies. However, some similarities remain (Government of Canada, 2021). Across the country, public education is free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents until they finish high school. Private schools also exist alongside public schools, as well as alternative schools that cater to cultural or religious communities (Government of Canada, 2025). If a student chooses to pursue post-secondary education, these programs charge tuition that varies widely. Post-secondary institutions are often dependent on provincial or territorial funding but also have corporate and individual donors.
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Ensuring your voice is heard in the upcoming federal election starts with knowing your voting rights and how to cast your ballot.
Below, find key information on voter registration and support for trans and gender-diverse voters.
🗳️ Election Day is Monday, April 28, 2025
📮 Early Voting & Mail-In Ballots:
Check deadlines and options at Elections Canada
Before heading to the polls, make sure you’re registered to vote! You can:
Deadline to Register: You can register before election day or at your polling station when you go to vote.
Tip: Registering in advance makes the voting process faster on election day!
Elections Canada is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive voting process for all Canadians, including trans and gender-diverse voters. Here’s what you need to know:
Only federal parties with official party status are listed below. Political parties are listed in alphabetical order.
➤ Conservative Party of Canada
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Use these tools to effectively message 2SLGBTQI experiences in your election activities and initiatives.
A messaging guide to support organizations, campaigns, and advocates to speak about 2SLGBTQI perspectives on key issues in the upcoming federal election.
This guide provides the tools needed by advocates and organizations to develop effective messaging to combat the ongoing rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
Egale Canada’s Rainbow Action Hub is your one-stop-shop for the why and how to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada. The hub includes resources, tools, education, and information aimed at 2SLGBTQI organizations, advocates, activists and anyone who wants to understand and combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
In Canada, there are three levels of government: federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal. Each level has distinct responsibilities that impact various aspects of daily life, including laws, services, and policies that affect 2SLGBTQI communities. This resource explains how policies at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels impact the rights, services, and protections available to 2SLGBTQI individuals.
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Stay informed and engaged by following us on:
Help spread the word! Share posts from Egale Canada’s channels (see list above) and share our pre-made social media graphics to your own channels encourage others to vote with pride. Use the hashtag #VoteWithPride to amplify the movement.
Are you part of an organization that wants to amplify this campaign? We’d love to collaborate! Email us at communications@egale.ca to learn how you can get involved.
Vote with Pride is a non-partisan campaign by Egale Canada, fully compliant with Elections Canada and Canadian Revenue Agency guidelines. Egale Canada does not endorse any political party, platform, or candidate
The Vote with Pride Campaign is generously supported by The BC General employees Union