Today, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith addressed the sensitive issue of gender identity, particularly focusing on transgender children and adolescents. The premier emphasized the importance of kindness, inclusion, and the eradication of discrimination against transgender individuals. Acknowledging the evolving nature of children and teenagers, Smith highlighted the need for unconditional support and understanding during this complex period of biological, social, emotional, and sexual development.
Premier Smith underscored her commitment to the well-being and rights of transgender individuals, especially minors. While expressing care and acceptance for those identifying as transgender, she announced policies to regulate gender reassignment treatments for minors aged 17 and under. Notably, top and bottom gender reassignment surgeries are prohibited for this age group. For children aged 15 and under, puberty blockers and hormone therapies for gender reassignment require careful consideration, with strict limitations. Premier Smith outlined a nuanced approach for minors aged 16 and 17, allowing hormone therapies with parental, physician, and psychologist approval, ensuring a dematured decision-making process.
Premier Smith detailed the government’s efforts to attract specialized medical professionals to Alberta, focusing on transgender surgery. The goal is to provide local expertise and support for transgender adults undergoing unique and complex medical procedures, rather than seeking such services elsewhere.
The premier addressed concerns related to classroom instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation, and human sexuality. To enhance transparency and parental involvement, the government will require notification and an opt-in for formal instruction on these topics. Additionally, third-party resource materials will be pre-approved by the Ministry of Education to ensure age appropriateness. The policy extends to minors aged 15 and under, requiring parental notification and consent for school-related changes in name or pronouns. For 16 and 17 year olds making these decisions, parental notification is necessary.
In situations where parents reject or become abusive to a transgender child, child protection laws will be strictly enforced. Premier Smith introduced a pilot project to offer counseling services, addressing the unique challenges faced by families with transgender youth. The government encourages vigilance against bullying, with a call for teachers, parents, classmates, and youth volunteers to intervene promptly.
Addressing concerns surrounding transgender female athletes, Premier Smith recognized the need for fair competition. The government plans to collaborate with sporting organizations to ensure women and girls have the choice to compete in women’s-only divisions, separate from biologically stronger transgender female athletes. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand coed or gender-neutral divisions for athletic competitions, allowing transgender athletes meaningful participation in the sport of their choice.
As the province moves forward, the hope is that these policies not only shape a supportive environment for everyone but also serve as a model for constructive dialogue and inclusive governance.