Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as leader of the Liberal Party, promised to add additional funding to the LGBTQI+ International Assistance Program. The promise specifically aimed to provide support for LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution abroad, promote global equality, and partner with international organizations. Additionally, it included a commitment to expand the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership, which helps resettle LGBTQI+ refugees in Canada.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

As of August 29, 2025, Mark Carney has been Prime Minister for approximately four months, following the Liberal Party's victory in the April 2025 federal election. The government has continued existing federal initiatives related to 2SLGBTQI+ rights, including the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan launched in 2022 under the previous administration. Recent announcements reaffirm support for these communities, with a focus on addressing hate and advancing equality both domestically and internationally.

In June 2025, at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Prime Minister Carney announced $290 million over five years for the International Assistance Innovation Program. This funding aims to mobilize private investments in developing countries to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include elements of gender equality and reducing inequalities—potentially encompassing LGBTQI+ issues. However, this initiative does not explicitly mention additional funding targeted at the LGBTQI+ International Assistance Program or support for persecuted individuals abroad.

On the international front, Canada participated in a joint statement by foreign ministers on International LGBTQI+ Pride Day in June 2025, emphasizing global commitments to LGBTQI+ rights. The government has also highlighted ongoing work through the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat, established in 2017, which informs priorities for LGBTQI+ people worldwide. Despite these steps, there have been no specific announcements of added funding for the LGBTQI+ International Assistance Program, which was initially funded with $30 million in 2019.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No new legislation has been proposed or passed under the Carney government directly related to this promise. The existing Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which includes international components, continues without amendments. In January 2025, prior to Carney's full tenure but under the Liberal government, $41.5 million was allocated for domestic 2SLGBTQI+ projects, but this does not address the international assistance aspect. There have been no bills introduced in Parliament to expand funding for global LGBTQI+ support or the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership.

Progress on Specific Promise Elements

Regarding support for LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution abroad, the government has not announced new funding or programs, though the joint Pride Day statement signals ongoing diplomatic efforts. On promoting global equality and partnering with international organizations, the G7 funding for SDGs represents a broad step, but it lacks specificity to LGBTQI+ issues. The commitment to expand the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership has seen no reported actions, such as increased partnerships or budget allocations, under Carney's leadership.

Challenges and Context

The Carney government has faced criticism for eliminating the Minister of Women and Gender Equality position in March 2025, which some advocates argue signals reduced focus on equality issues, including those affecting LGBTQI+ communities. However, recent reaffirmations of the Action Plan and investments in domestic safety measures, like funding for Pride parades, show continued engagement. With only a few months in office, there may be opportunities for future budget announcements to address this promise.

Overall Status

This promise is not started.