Proposed Bills in Alberta Affecting Trans Youth

  • November 21, 2024
  • Rachel Allen (she/her)

NOTE: This article aims to summarize information about the bills proposed by the Alberta Provincial Government on October 31, 2024. This article does not constitute legal advice or opinion.

Introduction

On October 31, the Alberta Provincial Government (the “Province”) announced a trio of bills that would affect trans youth, if passed into law. The three bills are the Education Amendment Act, 2024, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, and the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. Brief summaries of the effects of these proposed bills  are provided below.

The bills are still in draft and not yet law. Notably, the bills  do not currently include the notwithstanding clause, which would enable the Province to override certain Charter rights. The notwithstanding clause may be added to the any or all of the bills as they pass through the legislative process.

2SLGBTQ+ organizations have condemned the bills as discriminatory. Both Egale Canada and the Skipping Stone Foundation have advised they will be taking legal action.