QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
Action Plan on Combatting Hate
June 19, 2024
Senator Gold, as we celebrate both Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in the Senate, I’m happy to be able to welcome my sister, Anne, whose husband, Morley Stewart, is a talented Cree artist from Wemindji; and my mother Betty, who is a proud mom of seven, including my gay Irish twin Patrick Patterson.
Patrick was born in 1955 into a Canada where homosexual acts were criminal. This changed in 1969 when he was 14. Since then, many advances have been made.
However, Senator Gold, today in Canada, 25% to 40% of homeless youth identifies as 2SLGBTQI and 52% of 2SLGBTQI seniors fear being forced back into the closet in residential care.
What is the progress on Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate and what are the metrics of success?
Thank you very much for your question. Thank you for the lovely love letter to your mother and family. I am now on notice that my 95-year-old mother is jealous. I will have to do better.
In response to your question, I have been informed that the government’s work on Canada’s combatting hate action plan is ongoing and supported by a $273.6 million investment.
The main goals are to support community outreach, law enforcement reform to address the rise in hate crimes, counter radicalization and increase support for victims.
I also note the government has launched the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which aims to advance the rights of equality for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse people in Canada.
The government remains steadfast in its commitment to build a safer and more inclusive society for today and for generations.
Senator Gold, when my brother gave me permission to use his name today, he said that not long ago he wouldn’t have felt safe to do so. He said he would trade Pride Month every year for a daily affirmation of the Golden Rule.
In 64 countries, being gay is not only unsafe, it’s illegal. Senator Gold, what is Canada doing to advance the human rights of 2SLGBTQ people internationally?
Thank you. Let me make three points quickly.
In order to promote and protect the human rights of people in those communities, the government engages constructively at both bilateral and multilateral levels to promote and protect their human rights, consults and works closely with civil society organizations in Canada and abroad to advance those rights and supports international assistance programming that seeks to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2SI+ people.
