But the Alberta Premier is considering legislation that will devastate trans youth and families.
A leaked memo reveals that she’s invoking the notwithstanding clause–a loophole in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms–that allows governments to block courts from enforcing the Charter, overriding our personal freedoms and rights and protections for marginalized groups.
This means is that these cruel laws are rammed through regardless of the fact that they almost certainly violate the basic human rights granted by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to everyone.
Alberta’s Premier is using the loophole because she knows these laws would lose in court. It’s weak. It’s cruel. And it raises the stakes of this fight.
The legislation will not be introduced until the end of October. That means we have one month to get loud–to show the government, the media, and all Albertans that this use of the clause is cruel, unpopular, and politically toxic. What we do now will set the tone of the debate. If we show strength, visibility, and public outrage, we increase the pressure on the government and allow the courts to do their job and determine if the government's law violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This legislation bans access to gender-affirming care instead of trusting in the expertise of two-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth, their families, and their healthcare professionals. It will:
Ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for youth under 16.
Force schools to out students.
Ban trans girls and women from all female sports.
Restrict life-saving sex-ed and require parental opt-in.
The facts are on our side. Gender-Affirming care works. It saves lives. It’s backed by decades of evidence and is supported by every major Canadian health organization.
Reduces suicidality by nearly 50% alone and over 90% when combined with a supportive school and supportive family.
Reduces depression, anxiety and mental health challenges by up to 60%.
Reduces long-term healthcare costs by preventing crises.
The notwithstanding clause prevents the courts from enforcing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But it cannot prevent people from making their voices heard. Governments still bow to public pressure, reputational damage, and political risk.
There is a fighting chance. These laws violate Charter rights. Instead of defending them, the government is using the notwithstanding clause to suppress minority rights. If this stands, every single Charter right is at risk of being over-ridden.
The next month is decisive. We have until the end of October to flood inboxes, fill petitions, and make sure every Albertan hears our message.
Add your name to the petition. Your signature automatically emails the Premier, the Health Minister, the Opposition Leader, and your MLA.
SIGN NOW. FIGHT BACK. PROPEL HOPE.
To stop harmful anti-trans legislation. Every signature builds pressure on the government before the law is introduced at the end of October.
The government is using the notwithstanding clause to force through laws that would otherwise lose in court. This escalates the fight. Public action is the only check left.
The notwithstanding clause is a little-used loophole that was added to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It lets governments override Charter rights and block courts from striking down bad laws for up to five years at a time (it can be renewed indefinitely). Premier Smith is using it because she knows her legislation would fail in court. That raises the stakes–the only way to stop this is through public pressure.
It is evidence-based healthcare delivered in a way that respects and validates one’s gender identity. It saves lives, improves mental health, and is supported by overwhelming majority doctors across Canada.
No. The opposite, in fact.
This legislation limits options for care and actually removes families rights to choose affirming healthcare, even when the parents, youth and doctors all agree.
No. It is safe, supported by decades of research, and recommended by major health organizations.
Families, doctors, psychologists, mental health providers, social service workers, teachers and healthcare professionals nationwide and beyond.
Youth will be denied care, forced to hide at school, and pushed into unsafe conditions. But even if it passes, strong public opposition can lead to repeal. That’s why getting loud now is critical.
The legislation will be introduced at the end of October. That means we have one month to show strength, make noise, and try our level best to shape the outcome.
Sign the petition. Share the campaign. Send direct messages to leaders. The louder we are, the harder we are to ignore.
Why I'm Supporting...
bronwen a
calgary, AB
This is a gross misuse of the notwithstanding clause and sets a precedent that any of our rights can be ripped away on a whim. It starts with the most vulnerable groups, and we all must stand up to protect each other and prevent the stripping of charter rights from Canadians
caitlin b
canmore, AB
I cannot stand by and watch legislation so clearly fueled by ignorance and hatred. The duty of our representatives is to protect their constituents , not actively create a more hostile, dangerous environment for them.
stephanie b
kitchener, ON
Trans people and youth deserve dignity, respect and support. It is also a slippery slope on overriding the Charter. We have watched throughout history minority groups be scapegoated and it always ends poorly. Let’s be on the right side of history. Let’s stay out of people’s personal lives and health care decisions, and instead focus on the real issues in front of our country.
riley k
calgary, AB
I care about trans kids.
madeline p
calgary, AB
I’m supporting because this is wrong to remove their rights for no reason trans people are people. There is no difference to cis people and they should be treated as such
tamara e
calgary, AB
Trans rights are human rights. ❤️.
k f
calgary, AB
Because I refuse to watch silently while the cruel and selfish members of this government do everything in their power to OTHER the members of what is already one of the most vulnerable groups out there, purely as a way to divide, and to distract from the many, more self-enriching, greedier goals they have on their agenda.
SIGN THE PETITION
Stop Alberta's Premier From Overriding Charter Rights of Trans Youth
ADD YOUR NAMEkole h
edmonton, AB
As a trans man raising a child in this province I dont belive that the government has a right to tell us how to raise our kids. The government has other things to worry about than the way a child identifies. This has caused a divide in our communities and hate has started spewing into our community as we face backlash for just freely being ourselves.
wendy h
edmonton, AB
To protect my friends and family!
venus o
calgary, AB
i’m a trans kid in alberta fearing for my life for something as small as my gender
gina f
calgary, AB
I like to think I'm a decent human being who understands a very basic concept; acceptance and affirming care are crucial to both the physical and mental health of trans youth.
liane m
edmonton, AB
As an Assistant Principal in an Alberta high school I have seen how supporting trans youth and their journey impacts their personal well being. Supporting youth includes using the name and pronouns of the students’ choice and NOT outing them to their parents unless the student gives permission; otherwise, the safety of the student may be at risk. I have also seen the emotional/ mental health progress made by youth who begin using hormone blockers and dressing in accordance with their gender identity. It is wonderful to watch a student grow into who they really are. Why a group of politicians want to deny research and pretend to be psychiatrists, endocrinologists, etc. is beyond my understanding. It mirrors events which unfolded in Germany in the last century. Shame in you!
michelle b
penhold, AB
Everyone has the right to be respected and receive healthcare for who they are, not who the government thinks they should be.
janet w
canmore, AB
I'm supporting this because I wish I had the options for myself when I was younger. It doesn't do harm to anybody and brings joy and happiness for teens to be themselves. Policies and legislation that ban people's autonomy over their bodies, ability to make informed choices, and have the chance for sports participation is not going to create a better world. It causes an enormous amount of harm. We need gender affirming healthcare and we need people who can learn about their options and be inclusive of folks who are gender diverse. Gender diversity is part of being human. It does no harm and it is beautiful. It is so wonderful to express oneself and be who you are.
ADD YOUR NAME
The Charter of Rights and Freedom is supposed to be there to protect vulnerable groups. Speak out against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause.
Sign the petitionfiona n
edmonton, AB
The attack on trans rights is abhorrent and Alberta needs to do better!
melanie b
edmonton, AB
Human rights are under attack in this province for the most vulnerable groups. As an educator, I feel it is my responsibility to model fighting for what is right.
jenn y
edmonton, AB
I'm supporting because our goal should never be to TAKE AWAY rights from anyone without TRUE scientific backing. The premier and her cabinet have no degrees in the medical field and is going against current modern consensus. Human rights should never be able to be overwritten by a handful while clearly going against the majority
jill c
edmonton, AB
I'm supporting this cause because I know first hand how crucial access to gender affirming care is to a trans youth. It is health care just like hip replacement is health care. And it's not the government's place to deny health care to a particular group of people.
joleen j
calgary, AB
My daughter, my family, the youth of this province, all people, deserve better. For the government to supersede lawful means of challenge and protection is immoral and repugnant. It is also a dangerous precedent to set.
matthew l
calgary, AB
I am speaking for those that don’t have a voice and as a proud member of the queer community