Budget 2025: QueerTech Applauds Federal Investment in 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities, Urges Continued Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
UPDATED STATEMENT: NOVEMBER 5, 2025.
Budget 2025: QueerTech Applauds Federal Investment in 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities, Urges Continued Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
Ottawa, ON – Nov 5, 2025 – Yesterday’s federal Budget 2025 tabling marks an important step forward for Canada’s queer community - and a powerful acknowledgment that inclusion is essential to innovation. Since its founding, QueerTech has championed an economy where 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals can thrive in every corner of the tech ecosystem: leading companies, founding startups, shaping policy and industry regulation, crafting exponential technologies, and building the future.
While we applaud the government’s investment in our communities, we remain concerned about the scale of ongoing deficits. We urge the government to work closely with community leaders to ensure that these investments drive inclusive economic growth and workforce resilience. This budget demonstrates that the government has heard the call from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and the organizations that support them - recognizing that equity-driven growth requires sustained investment, long-term collaboration, and the full participation of 2SLGBTQIA+ innovators.
“This budget shows that our voices were heard. For Canada to lead in innovation, 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals must be part of every table - building, leading, and creating the future of technology,” said Naoufel Testaouni, Co-Founder and CEO of QueerTech. “QueerTech is ready to collaborate closely with government and partners in order to deliver tangible, felt outcomes and to ensure that this investment translates into opportunity and progress for our community nationwide.”
“Sustainable investment in underserved communities and community-based organizations is not just about fairness - it’s about strengthening Canada’s competitive advantage. It’s a strategic choice for Canada’s future,” said Bobbie Racette, Chair of the QueerTech Board of Directors. “When queer entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders are empowered to thrive, our innovation economy becomes stronger, smarter, and more competitive.”
We look forward to working with the government to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals and founders have opportunities to engage in the following investments:
QueerTech is energized and ready to work alongside partners across sectors to turn these commitments into lasting impact. As a proven national connector of talent, opportunity, and innovation, we know that when queer people are empowered to lead and create, Canada’s economy doesn’t just grow - it transforms.
About QueerTech
QueerTech is a community-focused national nonprofit advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, workforce development, economic empowerment and impactful innovation in Canada’s tech sector. Through career development, entrepreneurship support, partner engagement, and research-driven policy advocacy, they break down barriers and create opportunities. Since 2016, they’ve facilitated thousands of jobs, partnered with hundreds of employers, and influenced national policy. QueerTech is shaping a future where queer people don’t just work in tech—they lead it.
Media Contact:
Lauren Hicks
Media Lead, QueerTech
media@queertech.org
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QueerTech Applauds Federal Investment in Canada’s Queer Community
Ottawa, ON – Oct 29, 2025 – QueerTech welcomes today’s announcement by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, demonstrating the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a more inclusive and innovative economy.
The Government of Canada announced a historic $660.5 million investment over five years - with $132.1 million in ongoing annual funding - to advance gender equality and inclusion nationwide, supporting women, gender diverse Canadians, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This long-term commitment strengthens programs addressing gender-based violence, economic security, and underrepresented leadership, marking a generational shift toward safety, empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.
As a national organization empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in tech and entrepreneurship, QueerTech welcomes investments that ensure all talent can contribute fully and equally to Canada’s technology sector. By fostering and prioritizing inclusion, these initiatives unlock innovation, build stronger communities, and contribute to a more prosperous, competitive economy.
“This historic investment in gender equality and inclusion is a game-changer for communities across Canada. It ensures organizations like QueerTech can continue building a tech ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Naoufel Testaouni, CEO of QueerTech. “We commend the government for recognizing that inclusion and innovation go hand in hand in shaping a stronger, fairer, and more competitive Canada.”
QueerTech looks forward to collaborating with government, industry, and community partners to translate these commitments into tangible impact for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals nationwide, and the broader Canadian economy.
Learn More
1. Announcement details - here.
2. QueerTech: Queering The Tech Ecosystem.
About QueerTech
QueerTech is a community-focused national nonprofit advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, workforce development, economic empowerment and impactful innovation in Canada’s tech sector. Through career development, entrepreneurship support, partner engagement, and research-driven policy advocacy, they break down barriers and create opportunities. Since 2016, they’ve facilitated thousands of jobs, partnered with hundreds of employers, and influenced national policy. QueerTech is shaping a future where queer people don’t just work in tech—they lead it.
Media Contact:
Lauren Hicks
Media Lead, QueerTech
media@queertech.org