September 7, 2023 | Edmonton, Alberta | Health Canada
Everyone, regardless of sexual or gender identity, should have access to safe and stigma-free sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and resources. However, experiences of discrimination in the Canadian healthcare system have and continue to make it difficult for many members of marginalized groups to receive the care they need. This is particularly true for 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, as well as women and youth, as the barriers they face are also exacerbated by a lack of culturally safe, relevant, equitable and stigma-free information and services.
Today, the Honorable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced that Health Canada’s SRH Fund is committing nearly $1.3 million to support projects led by the Sexuality Education Resource Center Manitoba and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African and Caribbean ( CHABAC) Network are headed at HIV Edmonton. These innovative projects will increase access to vital SRH services and reduce barriers to care for these underserved communities across the Prairies and beyond through training for health care providers, SRH awareness campaigns, and culturally relevant tools and resources.
The SRH Fund was established as part of the 2021 Budget with an initial investment of $45 million to improve access to SRH care for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access. An additional $36 million was allocated under the 2023 budget.
This announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s belief that everyone has the right to access safe and relevant SRH services and is an example of how the Government supports human rights.
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