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Canadian government partners with Rainbow Railroad to resettle LGBTQIA+ refugees

Rainbow Flag

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