Canadian government partners with Rainbow Railroad to resettle LGBTQIA+ refugees
PublishedJun 14, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a partnership between the Government of Canada and the non-profit organization Rainbow Railroad to protect LGBTQIA+ refugees and welcome them to Canada.
News release
June 8, 2023 - Toronto
Through this partnership, Rainbow Railroad will identify LGBTQIA+ people and their families fleeing violence and persecution and refer them to the Government of Canada for resettlement under the Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) Program.
Under the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership, the Government of Canada is working with the Rainbow Refugee Society to encourage Canadians to sponsor LGBTQIA+ refugees.
The Government of Canada will cover start-up costs and provide three months of financial support for LGBTQIA+ newcomer refugees and their families. Private sponsors will provide an additional nine months of financial support. This initiative reinforces the collaboration between LGBTQIA+ organizations and the refugee sponsorship community in Canada.
For more information
- Sponsor a Refugee, on the IRCC website, provides information on the private sponsorship program for refugees.
- Can I apply for refugee status as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQIA+) person?, an article from Settlement.Org which provides information about applying for asylum in Canada for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
- EGALE - A Canadian LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization that promotes equality, diversity, education and justice.