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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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