Historic Day for Trans People - Bill C-389 (Gender Identity) Passes 3rd Reading!

From Queer Ontario

It was a historic day for Trans people in Canada today as Bill C-389 passed 3rd reading in Federal Parliament by a narrow margin of 143 to 135. The private member’s bill on adding “Gender Identity” and “Expression” to the Canadian Human Rights Act brought forward by N.D.P. M.P. Bill Siksay, now moves on to the Senate.   Susan Gapka, Chair of the Trans Health Lobby Group had “Tears of Joy” upon learning of Bill C-389 passing.   Davina Hader also of the Trans Health Lobby Group who was there to witness the vote in Ottawa, said she was “Very emotional, and it was a moving experience”.   Martine Stonehouse, C.U.P.E. National – Pink Triangle Committee – Trans Rep., and Vice Chair of the Trans Health Lobby Group stated “This is a historic day for Trans people all across Canada; it brings us one step closer to achieving visibility, credibility, and recognition as equal persons in Canada”.   Bill C-389 now moves to debate by the Senate, and if passes this hurdle, it will then go for final reading in Parliament before being passed into law.   The possibility of an early election call could still kill Bill C-389, but hopefully it can be fast tracked through the Senate before that happens.   Let us keep our fingers crossed on this one! Martine said.

Trans/Human Rights blog

Looking for politically active Trans folks? Check out Trans/Human Rights blog. looks like the beginning of something exciting...

"This group is for politically Active Trans People & their supporters, our goal is to bring together, people from the community & open minded people from all walks of life, together united with goal of starting a world wide movement for Trans/human Rights. i want the world to know, We mean business!"

Sex Reassignment Surgery Funding in Alberta

Sex Reassignment Surgery Funding in Alberta

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference.

We are trying to reach 10000 signatures - please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/re-list-sex-reassignment-surgery-funding-in-alberta

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

Trans done in again in Alberta

Trans done in again in Alberta

The Alberta provincial government is cutting funds for Gender Reassignment Surgery. Alberta Health and Wellness pays approximately $700,000 each year out of its $12.9 billion budget toward this program. I am told this funds between ten to eighteen surgeries per year. As one person put it, that is only 19 cents for every person in Alberta for the year.


If you would like to partake in raising this with the Alberta government you could send your 19 cents to your MLA or the Minister of Finance and or the Premier. Alberta Trans.org posted a short article on why this kind of surgery is important. Check it out, it may help you in writing letters or emails to the Alberta Government.

People upset with the Alberta Government's decision have set up a facebook group called Reinstate Gender Reassignment Surgery Funding in Alberta. If you are affected or want to support this effort, join the group and get in on the discussions and planning taking place.

Taking the government to court is one action being planned as this note asks if others want to join in...

"... I am planning on filing a civil lawsuit against the province of Alberta for sexual discrimination, and breach of the canadian charter of rights and freedoms and for human rights. If there are enough people who want to join to make it a Class Action civil suit let me know."

This latest assault on the Trans community comes just a few weeks ago, the Alberta Government proposed adding sexual orientation to the Human Rights Code but said they would not be adding gender identity to the code (Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship, and Multiculturalism Act).

see also the Calgary Herald, Rights complaint to be filed over Alberta's gender surgery cut

and

Rights complaint to be filed over Alberta's gender surgery cut

EDMONTON — Furious members of the transgendered, gay, lesbian and bisexual community are readying themselves for a human rights complaint after the Alberta government delisted gender reassignment surgery from its funding coverage.