On May 13th, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his cabinet, which we were pleased to see included a full Minister for Women and Gender Equality.

Feminist and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates and organizations had urged the inclusion of a full minister, recognizing that gender equality and 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights are critical to building a strong, free and prosperous Canada. We applaud Prime Minister Carney's inclusion of said role.

We were further pleased to see the appointment of Minister Rechie Valdez to this role. Minister Valdez is a strong supporter of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and advanced important initiatives to unlock the economic potential and advance economic prosperity for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, including entrepreneurs, small businesses and workers, through her past role as Minister of Small Business. We welcome her to to this new portfolio, and to her role as Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, and are eager to work with her to advance equality, freedom and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

In these tumultuous times, 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians are looking to our Minister and the Government of Canada to remain steadfast in their support of freed, equality and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. With hate, violence and discrimination on the rise, in Canada and around the world, now is the time for expedited action and bold leadership.

On May 14th, Queer Momentum sent a letter to Minister Valdez welcoming her to her new role, and outlining our recommendations for both her Ministry and the Government of Canada. You may access the letter here.