Protection for LGBTQ2 Refugees
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Commitment to LGBTQ2 Rights
On May 10, 2017, in Ottawa, the government’s dedication to safeguarding LGBTQ2 rights was underscored. Canada has a longstanding tradition of offering refuge to the most vulnerable, particularly within the LGBTQ2 community.
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the renewal of a $50,000 cost-sharing agreement with the Rainbow Refugee Society (RRS), effective April 1, 2017. This Vancouver-based organization encourages Canadian LGBTQ2 communities to sponsor refugees facing persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status.
Supportive Measures for Refugees
Canada continues to collaborate with RRS, providing partial income support to LGBTQ2 refugees through the Resettlement Assistance Program. This funding covers initial expenses such as clothing and basic household items upon arrival, as well as partial income support for the first year.
RRS not only mentors sponsorship groups but also collaborates with Sponsorship Agreement Holders to facilitate these sponsorships. The sponsorship groups offer additional support, including accommodation, basic needs, and emotional support throughout the sponsorship period.
Voices of Support
“We are very pleased to be continuing our partnership with the Rainbow Refugee Society. Our government will continue to encourage refugee sponsorship groups and LGBTQ2 organizations across the country to privately sponsor refugees from abroad who face violence and persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or HIV status.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“It is critical that, in Canada, our government demonstrates leadership for people who are persecuted for their sexual orientation. When we honour the differences, identities, and genders of every individual, we are actively supporting rights and equality for all.”
– Randy Boissonault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues
“Rainbow Refugee is proud and honoured to continue working with IRCC to encourage Canadian communities to act in solidarity with LGBTQ2 and HIV+ refugees. Globally, LGBTQ2 and HIV+ persons face violent persecution. Canada has a vital role to play as a place of relative safety and respect for those who need to flee sexual orientation, gender or HIV based persecution.”
– Chris Morrissey (Founder) and Sharalyn Jordan (Chair) Rainbow Refugee Society
Important Information
- The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program began in the late 1970s, after the Indochinese refugee movement. Since then, over 288,000 refugees have been privately sponsored.
- In 2017, Canada aimed to welcome 16,000 privately sponsored refugees, tripling the average admissions prior to 2015.
- By March 2017, 81 refugees were privately sponsored through the RRS initiative, involving 49 sponsorship groups and seven Sponsorship Agreement Holders.
- Budget 2017 proposed $3.6 million over three years to establish an LGBTQ2 Secretariat within the Privy Council Office, aiding the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister in LGBTQ2-related initiatives.
Associated Links
Contact Information
Media Contacts Only
Bernie Derrible
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Chris Morrissey
RRS Founder and Sponsorship Lead
sponsorship@rainbowrefugee.ca
Sharalyn Jordan
RRS Chair and Inland/Settlement Lead
board@rainbowrefugee.ca
FAQs About LGBTQ2 Refugee Support
What is the Rainbow Refugee Society (RRS)?
The RRS is a Vancouver-based organization that helps Canadian LGBTQ2 communities sponsor refugees facing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How does the cost-sharing agreement benefit refugees?
The agreement provides initial financial support for refugees, covering essentials like clothing and basic household needs upon their arrival in Canada.
What role does the Canadian government play in this initiative?
Through the Resettlement Assistance Program, the government offers partial income support to privately sponsored LGBTQ2 refugees.
What was the target for privately sponsored refugees in 2017?
In 2017, Canada planned to welcome 16,000 privately sponsored refugees, significantly increasing the numbers from previous years.
What is the purpose of the LGBTQ2 Secretariat?
The Secretariat, proposed in Budget 2017, aims to support and coordinate government initiatives on LGBTQ2 issues.
