Canadians deserve a prime minister with the political courage to defend 2SLGBTQ+ rights – and the conviction to turn his words into real action.

This content was paid for by Momentum, separate from Xtra’s editorial staff.

As hate rises and 2SLGBTQ+ communities are subjected to a sustained attack on our rights, freedom and dignity, queer Canadians are looking for leadership from their federal government – namely, through the renewal of the soon-to-expire Federal 2SLGBTQ+ Action Plan. The question is: does Prime Minister Carney have the political courage to defend 2SLGBTQ+ rights in an era of hate and backlash? I think he does – and now is his moment to show it.

It’s not 2015 anymore, and the global landscape is becoming increasingly hostile to queer and trans people. In America, 2SLGBTQ+ rights are under attack, attacks aided, abetted and in part led by President Donald Trump. It’s an all out assault, sending shockwaves around the world. In Ghana, Turkey, and dozens of other countries, the same story is unfolding: 2SLGBTQ+ people are facing a new and growing wave of political attacks, rights restrictions, hate and violence.

The landscape is grim, and Canada is not immune. One must only look to the data – data showing rising hate year over year – or to Alberta and Saskatchewan; where transgender youth have had charter-protected rights removed, for proof. If we are going to push back against this tide, it has to start right here at home — but only if our political leaders find the courage to act.

We’ve done it before, and we can do it again. Thanks to decades of grassroots organizing and cross-party collaboration, Canada has built a reputation for advancing 2SLGBTQ+ rights. We have an imperfect yet powerful, and frankly inspiring, track record of pushing for equality. As we adapt to a new landscape, 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in Canada are rising to the challenge – and ready to work with Prime Minister Carney and our federal government to protect the values that have built Canada into a nation admired around the world.

But, as 2SLGBTQ+ people are under attack at home and around the world, we need our federal government to step up. Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ organizations are fighting tooth and nail just to hold the line – to keep our communities safe and keep vital services open. Without government leadership, we won’t weather this storm.

Since the 2000s, Canada has made remarkable progress towards equality, freedom and human rights for 2SLGBTQ+ people, but many queer people are still fighting just to survive. And it’s getting worse: rising hate is putting progress at risk.

Now, 2SLGBTQ+ advocates are worried our communities are being left behind, that government funding our communities need is on the chopping block as the federal government seeks to cut costs. We all know we need to build a stronger economy in the face of the American trade attacks, but we cannot sacrifice our values, or the freedom and rights of our peers, to do so. In fact, supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities – by dismantling barriers to economic participation and investing in the local services that enable us to overcome discrimination and contribute positively to both our society and our economy – is part of the solution.

Our concern isn’t coming out of nowhere. The federal 2SLGBTQ+ Action plan – the primary vehicle for the federal government’s work on 2SLGBTQ+ issues – expires in March 2027, and the Government hasn’t pledged to renew the plan, despite calls from 2SLGBTQ+ advocates.

Without a funded action plan, the federal government’s efforts to advance equality for 2SLGBTQ+ people will slow, and much of the work will grind to a halt. If that happens, the already crumbling foundations will be eroded further.

Local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations will reach their breaking point. Organizations will close, services will be shuttered, and we will be bereft of both the non-profit and government leadership needed to weather this storm. Queer people will suffer as the global hate agenda takes root and their freedom, rights and safety are stripped away.

We’ve all seen the landscape change – 2SLGBTQ+ issues have become controversial again. But principled leadership isn’t about doing the right thing when it’s easy. Prime ministerial leadership means speaking up, taking action and defending all Canadians – including those who are 2SLGBTQ+.

We can be the nation that says no. We can go elbows up for our 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours. We can be the country that makes clear that their freedom and rights are non-negotiable. We can inspire hope for 2SLGBTQ+ people around the world, and be an example for countries everywhere to follow.

It starts with political leadership. It starts with Prime Minister Carney holding the line and delivering a renewed Federal 2SLGBTQ+ Action Plan in Budget 2026.