Advocates from New Brunswick travelled to Ottawa in October to press the federal government for a renewed and expanded national 2SLGBTQ+ action plan, warning that the expiry of the current program could force community organisations to tighten services or close.
Local organisations say funding loss would be immediate and severe
Alter Acadie, a francophone advocacy group based in Moncton, was among roughly 45 organisations from across Canada that convened in the capital this month to lobby for continued support. The five-year plan, launched in 2022 under the previous Trudeau government, included $100 million in funding and is set to expire in March 2027.
Alex Arseneau, executive director of Alter Acadie, said the presence of federal funds directly led to the group's creation and that the organisation is one of just three nationwide with an advocacy mandate specifically for 2SLGBTQ+ francophone people — and the only one in Atlantic Canada.
"Losing them is huge," he said. "It's going to have a huge impact, and even more responsibility is going to come onto local organizations that are already doing way too much with too little."
Arseneau pointed to the winding down of ARC Foundation, a national charity that had worked for nearly two decades to foster inclusive K–12 education. His group partnered with ARC Foundation on efforts in New Brunswick's francophone schools. The loss of that partner, he said, illustrates how fragile the sector has become.
New spaces and new needs in Saint John and beyond
In Saint John, Chroma NB opened a new community space at 200 Carmarthen St. a year ago. Executive director Hadeel Ibrahim said the drop-in centre has become a gateway for people — including newcomers and refugees — to discover affirming supports, sometimes prompting them to acknowledge their identities for the first time.
Both Alter Acadie and Chroma NB say that without renewed federal support, organisations will face difficult choices about programming, outreach and staffing. That translates to fewer services for people who rely on local groups for mental-health referrals, community programming and school-based education initiatives.
Federal review under way, decisions pending
Women and Gender Equality Canada, the federal department that administers the action plan, told media it is reviewing the program and will release decisions "at the appropriate time." There is no formal commitment yet to renew the plan.
For community leaders and service providers in New Brunswick, the timeline is short: groups must plan for a fiscal cliff in a matter of months if funding is not extended or replaced. Many point to a domino effect, where national organisations closing increases pressure on smaller, local groups already operating with tight budgets.
- Plan launch: 2022
- Funding attached: $100 million (original five-year plan)
- Expiry date: March 2027
- Number of organisations lobbying in Ottawa: 45
Advocates say the loss of targeted federal investment would be felt most acutely in smaller communities and among francophone networks, where there are fewer local resources and fewer organisations focused on 2SLGBTQ+ francophone needs.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plan start | 2022 |
| Funding | $100 million (five-year) |
| Expiry | March 2027 |
Arseneau and other advocates are urging Ottawa to not only renew funding but to broaden and deepen commitments so that the network of services and education supports remains stable. They argue that short-term or piecemeal responses will not address the structural needs of 2SLGBTQ+ communities across diverse regions.
For New Brunswick, the stakes include retention of specialised francophone advocacy and the sustainability of community hubs like the new Chroma NB space in Saint John. Both elements — advocacy and accessible, local drop-in services — are cited as crucial parts of a prevention-focused strategy that keeps people connected to care and supports.
Until the federal review produces a decision, local groups are balancing public advocacy with contingency planning. That includes discussions about program prioritization and exploring alternate funding streams — steps that many say are necessary but insufficient to replace a national, coordinated funding envelope.
Advocates will continue to press for clarity from Women and Gender Equality Canada in the coming months, noting that clear, advance notice of any changes would help organisations plan and reduce the risk of abrupt service disruptions for vulnerable residents across New Brunswick.
