A recent investigation has cast a spotlight on the extensive use of Canadian taxpayer money to fund activist organizations, with federal grants supporting causes ranging from gender identity advocacy to climate action and anti-Israel activism.
Grant for Combating Antisemitism Given to Anti-Israel Group
The issue came to the fore after a report by the National Post's Terry Newman detailed how a federal grant intended to fight antisemitism was awarded to a group with a history of anti-Zionist advocacy. Toronto Palestinian Families received $99,500 in December 2024 for a program pitched as "combating anti-Semitism and anti-Palestinian racism."
However, the group has publicly shared content from the Palestinian Youth Movement, an organization that celebrated the October 7 attacks on Israel. This case has opened a window into what critics describe as a vast and growing network of government-funded activism.
Expansion of Activist Funding Under Liberal Government
Observers note that the scope of government grants directed toward activist causes has expanded significantly in recent years. New funding categories have been created specifically for initiatives promoting "gender equity," "climate action," and "anti-racism." A search of the Canadian government's grant recipient database using common activist buzzwords yields dozens of examples.
Here are three prominent cases illustrating how deeply taxpayer funding is intertwined with activist operations across the country.
Egale Canada: Leading LGBTQ2SI+ Group Relies Heavily on Government
Egale Canada, founded in 1986 as a charity for gay and lesbian equality, is now Canada's foremost organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. In recent times, it has been a vocal defender of gender identity policies, legally challenging Alberta's laws that restrict males from women's sports and ban puberty blockers for minors.
Financially, Egale has become predominantly reliant on government support. According to a profile by Charity Intelligence Canada, approximately 69 per cent of Egale's total revenue comes from government funding. For the 2023 fiscal year, the organization received $4.2 million from government sources, compared to $1.5 million in donations.
Queer Momentum: Trans Advocacy Funded by Taxpayers
Another beneficiary is Queer Momentum, led by prominent trans activist Fae Johnstone. The group has actively opposed Conservative proposals to bar male offenders from women's prisons based on self-identified gender, arguing it would increase risks for transgender women.
In December 2023, Queer Momentum was featured in a Liberal government press event in Halifax announcing $5.4 million in gender equality funding. Liberal MP Kody Blois praised the investment in the Kentville, Nova Scotia-based Society of Queer Momentum.
A Broader Pattern of State-Funded Advocacy
The funding of Toronto Palestinian Families, Egale Canada, and Queer Momentum represents just a sample of a much larger trend. Critics argue that this use of public funds effectively means taxpayers are being compelled to support specific political and social advocacy positions, regardless of their personal views.
Proponents of the grants contend they are essential for supporting marginalized communities and advancing social justice. However, the case of the anti-semitism grant highlights the potential for funds to be directed to groups whose activities may contradict the stated goals of the funding program, raising questions about oversight and accountability in the distribution of millions in federal dollars.
