The federal government has announced $4.4 million in funding to support up to nine projects aimed at improving health, mental health, and youth development in Black communities across Canada. The investment, unveiled at the National Black Canadians Summit on Jan. 31, is part of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) under its Emerging Priorities pillar.
The funding will address gaps in health and mental health services for Black Canadians, with a focus on youth. Projects may include improving mental health support for Black youth with sickle cell disease and their families, as well as training community leaders to advocate for psychological well-being.
“Through investments like today’s, we’re bolstering the health and mental health provisions for Black Canadians and equipping Black youth with essential career development skills, making sure that they have the support they need to thrive and fully participate in Canadian society,” said Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.
The announcement also includes more than $700,000 for the Michaëlle Jean Foundation to support the 2025 National Black Canadians Summit and its Power of Youth Initiative, which provides grants to youth-led organizations.
“The Michaëlle Jean Foundation is thrilled to launch the second round of our Power of Youth initiative, empowering Black youth-led projects nationwide,” said Edward Matwawana, the foundation’s executive director.
The funding builds on previous investments under the SBCCI, which has allocated up to $200 million since 2019 to support Black-led and Black-serving organizations. To date, more than 2,700 projects have benefited from the initiative.
The announcement comes as Canada marks the second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2025 to 2034. The government has pledged over $1 billion to address systemic barriers faced by Black Canadians, including anti-Black racism and discrimination.
