GEC visits legislators in Ottawa to discuss global LGBT+ rights
Canadian legislators and civil society champions meet at Earnscliffe for the Canadian Pride Caucus lunch
The Global Equality Caucus has met with several parliamentarians in Ottawa to discuss Canada’s commitment to global LGBT+ rights and the role that legislators play.
With support from the British High Commission Ottawa and Dignity Network Canada, GEC arranged a special lunch meeting with members of the Canadian Pride Caucus to facilitate a dialogue between federal legislators, diplomats and key civil society experts.
Attendees identified shared global challenges for the LGBT+ rights movement, including the rise of the anti-gender movement, securing sustainable funding for civil society groups, and building political consensus on inclusive policies.
British High Commissioner to Canada Susannah Goshko CMG chairs the Pride Caucus lunch discussion.
(L-R): Michelle Rempel Garner MP, Randall Garrison MP, H.E. Susannah Goshko CMG
MPs and Senators present agreed to continue working together on a cross-party basis to make a positive case for LGBT+ inclusion in Canada and around the world.
GEC also met with Senator René Cormier and Blake Desjarlais MP, the co-chairs of the Canadian Pride Caucus, to discuss international examples of cross-party LGBT+ parliamentary groups and how GEC can help to amplify the work of these national caucuses.
GEC first advocated for a Canadian Pride Caucus in 2020 and we were pleased to support the founding of the group last year.
Concluding the visit, members of the GEC Secretariat met with Anita Vandenbeld MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, as well as with staff from Global Affairs Canada to identify common priorities between GEC and the Canadian Government.
GEC Director Alan Wardle with Parliamentary Secretary Anita Vandenbeld MP.
Strengthening democratic governance, combatting disinformation and a commitment to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals were all highlighted as priority areas and GEC will continue to work with legislators globally to ensure LGBT+ equality is at the core of these priorities.