The Canvas Mission
Based in Toronto, Canvas Programs is a registered charity that provides empathy-based education on consent and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
The Canvas Vision
We envision a society in which all people are free to live authentically and have the tools for form safe, caring relationships. We believe that proactive education is key to combatting and ultimately ending transphobia, homophobia and sexual violence.
Our Canvas Values
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Our programming is enhanced by the diverse lived experiences of our educators.
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We use creative arts to be engaging and inclusive to all learners
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We always strive to be intersectional, anti-oppressive and accessible
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We provide education with empathy and compassion
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We believe in all people’s capacity for unlearning and positive change.
Our Strategic Plan
Our Reach
Our impactful education has reached over 50,000 youth, teacher and youth workers in schools and community spaces across the Greater Toronto Area
The rights of queer and trans youth are at risk in a way we have not seen in recent time, making our 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion programming even more critical.
As the conversation around inclusion becomes more polarized, our work stands our for its ability to create open, non-judgemental spaces where genuine understanding and empathy can thrive.
By continuing to expand our educational reach, we are building compassionate futures where every young person can feel valued, supported, and free to be themselves.
“Thank you for coming and talking about this because it needs to be talked about"
- Consent at Camp Participant
“I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community and I find it nice to know that other queer people, other queer adults, exist. It’s nice knowing I'm not alone... I like how everyone is being educated so there isn’t any ignorance and people don’t grow up thinking they’re broken or wrong”
- Consent Youth Participant
Our Board
Vice Chair
Diane Wise
She/Her
Vice Chair
Janet Turnbull Irving
She/Her
Secretary
Arielle Lewis
They/Them
Treasurer
Chris Lacher
He/Him
Board Member at Large
Tim Rose
He/Him
Board Member at Large
Brant Wang
He/They
Board Member at Large
Michelle Dowling
She/Her
Land Acknowledgement
We want to honour and express gratitude to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Turtle Island who’s sacred land we are on right now. Today, the land we are standing on is still the home to many of these people.
It is our responsibility to remember our history, be aware of how it affects people today, and take care of this land we live and meet on.
Canvas Programs’ Commitment to Reconciliation
We currently:
Include Indigenous lived experience and voices in many programs.
Offer one staff training annually on Indigenous topics.
Give a Land Acknowledgement at every workshop, and discuss its significance.
Provide paid opportunities for Indigenous guest artists.
We seek to:
Include Indigenous lived experience and voices in all programs.
Ensure all program materials about Indigenous identity are produced by an Indigenous designer.
Partner with an Indigenous-led initiative.