Hon. Kristopher Wells: Madam Secretary, your government has made historic progress for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians, from protecting gender identity and expression to launching Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan. Yet many 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors who have fought for those rights now face renewed discrimination and isolation as they age, sometimes even feeling pressure to go back into the closet when entering care.
Can you tell this chamber what steps your government is taking to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors have access to inclusive and affirming care, as well as housing, so they can age with dignity, safety and pride?
Hon. Stephanie McLean, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State (Seniors): Thank you for the question, Honourable Senator Wells. It was a privilege to be able to work with you in our past lives on the “X” identity marker in Alberta. I find myself privileged once again to be working with you in this capacity, and I’m excited for this question.
As you mentioned, statistics show that 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors are more likely to experience some type of homelessness or housing insecurity. One survey showed that 2SLGBTQAI+ seniors have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments within the prior five years. With that in mind, the $1.5-billion Canada Rental Protection Fund is designed to help protect affordable housing for seniors at risk of losing their home, and the National Housing Strategy, or NHS, is a 10-year and over $72-billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
The NHS supports the most vulnerable Canadians, including 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors. Organizations and projects specifically supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities have received housing-related funding through NHS initiatives. The Age Well at Home initiative also funds senior-serving organizations, providing practical supports so seniors can age at home. That initiative has also funded and supported projects that specifically target low-income and vulnerable seniors, including 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors.
Senator K. Wells: Thank you, Madam Secretary. This means creating spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors can truly belong.
Across Canada, there is a growing need for dedicated housing for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors — safe, welcoming communities that honour their identities and contributions. Can you share how the government is supporting the development of inclusive and affordable housing for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors so no one has to hide who they are in their later years?
Ms. McLean: Thank you. I think I touched upon that a bit. I’m also particularly proud of our historic investment in cooperative housing. We know that cooperative housing often provides a housing system that is community-based and that provides a supportive community environment for folks to find affordable and income-related housing.
Another way we are focusing on inclusion and combatting social isolation of 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors is through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This program helps ensure that seniors can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their community, and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations have specifically benefited.