As an advocate for the dignity and respect of all individuals, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) stands in strong opposition to the recent policy updates proposed by the Government of Alberta. The proposed policy changes will not only create an unsafe environment for students in schools, exclude trans women from women-only divisions in sports, and restrict gender-affirming treatments for individuals under 18, but they also represent a significant step backwards in our journey towards a more inclusive Canada.
At CCDI, we are guided by a vision of a world where everyone is valued and celebrated for all dimensions of diversity. Our mission, to foster an inclusive Canada through thought leadership, research, education, and action, compels us to speak out against these policy updates that not only infringe upon the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, but also undermine the principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Alberta Human Rights Act, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
These policy updates contravene the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and security of the person, as stated in Section 7 of the Charter. They also violate the principle of equality before and under the law, without discrimination based on sex, age, or mental or physical disability, as outlined in Section 15. These updates also directly conflict with the Alberta Human Rights Act, which safeguards against discrimination based on various grounds, including gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. These grounds were put in place to ensure protection in schools, workplaces, and housing. Furthermore, they go against the Convention on the Rights of the Child's emphasis on children's rights to identity, respect for their views, and access to information promoting their well-being.
The changes – which will undeniably have a negative effect on the lives of transgender and non-binary youth – also seem to ignore some very startling statistics. A 2022 study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that transgender youth were five times more likely to think about suicide and 7.6 times more likely to have ever attempted suicide than cisgender youth. Statistics Canada's data reveals a significant mental health crisis in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, particularly among youth. With 10.5% of 15 to 24-year-olds identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, and nearly 30% of them reporting poor mental health—over three times the rate of their non-2SLGBTQI+ peers—the disparity is stark. This is most acute among transgender or non-binary individuals, over half of whom report their mental health as fair or poor, underscoring the need for supportive policies.
Amidst a troubling trend of similar restrictive policies emerging across Canada, with Saskatchewan and New Brunswick experiencing such changes in the fall, and now Alberta, CCDI urgently calls upon all relevant parties, allies, and the broader Canadian public to unite in opposition to these regressive policies. We must collectively advocate for policies that respect and embrace all dimensions of diversity, ensuring that every individual—regardless of their gender identity or expression—has the opportunity to live with dignity, equality, and respect.
Education is key in combatting these regressive policies. Egale Canada has created a page to further inform Canadians of the situation and how the policy changes will impact trans and non-binary folks. Learn more by visiting: https://egale.ca/awareness/alberta/.
The path forward is clear to those who understand the nuances of this situation: we must work together to rescind these policy updates and replace them with measures that truly reflect the inclusive, respectful, and diverse society that Canada aspires to be. Let us stand together for a Canada where every person is free to be themselves, supported by laws and policies that uphold their rights and affirm their identities.
In the spirit of unity and respect for diversity,
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
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