Government of Canada announces funding to support organizations accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Canada

The Voice of Canada News:

As all Canadians are facing the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to build back better, with a focus on fewer people living in extreme poverty, less inequality, a healthier natural environment and a sustainable economy.

The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presents Canada, and the world, with a historic opportunity to positively shape how societies of tomorrow grow and develop sustainably and inclusively for the shared benefit of all. It is a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are of heightened importance given the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as we look to ways to protect against the long-term shocks that have impacted our economy, society, and environment and collectively turn our attention to rebuilding a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable Canada. To advance progress on the 2030 Agenda, the Government of Canada is supporting Canadian organizations that are accelerating action on the SDGs.

At Together|Ensemble 2020, Canada’s annual conference on the SDGs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced that the Government of Canada has provided approximately $4.3 million in funding to 47 organizations through the 2019-2020 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Funding Program.

The SDG Funding Program is a federal grants and contributions program that supports the work of Canadian organizations advancing the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda in Canada. Through the 2019-2020 SDG Funding Program, the Government of Canada is helping to strengthen the work of not-for-profit organizations, provinces and territories, municipalities, academia, the private sector, members of indigenous communities and racialized communities, women, children and youth and vulnerable and marginalized populations, to deliver improved outcomes for Canadians.

By supporting projects across the country like Together|Ensemble 2020, the SDG Funding Program will raise awareness of the SDGs, develop new partnerships, improve knowledge on emerging sustainable development issues, implement innovative approaches that advance several SDGs, and support the important work of reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

Building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies that leave no one behind, now and in the future, is at the heart of Canada’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Quotes

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides the world with a common framework to tackle our most pressing challenges. As we face the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, working together to help our fellow Canadians is now more important than ever. Many communities across Canada are already advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. By fostering partnerships through the SDG Funding Program, the Government of Canada is accelerating progress on the SDGs and delivering better outcomes for all Canadians, leaving no one behind.”

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister Families, Children and Social Development

Quick facts

• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a 15-year global framework adopted by Canada and all other 192 United Nations Member States in 2015.
• At its heart are the 17 SDGs, 169 targets and more than 230 indicators that encompass the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
• In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada committed new funding of $59.8 M ($4.6 M annually) for an SDG funding program to support implementation of the SDGs in Canada over 13 years.
• The SDG Funding Program’s grants stream provides grant funding of up to $100,000 for initiatives that are up to 12 months in duration that will build awareness and further Canada’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as increase partnerships and networks, and advance research.   
• The SDG Funding Program also has a contributions stream that provides contribution funding of up to $300,000 for projects that are up to 36 months in duration that identify and advance new approaches and technologies to achieve the SDGs.
• To date, 47 organizations have received grant funding which represents a total of approximately $4.3 million through the 2019-20 SDG Funding Program intake process.