UNA condemns use of Notwithstanding Clause to interfere with access to transgender medical treatment

Today, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, United Nurses of Alberta condemns the decision of the Alberta Government to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause of the Canadian Constitution in Bill 9, legislation that interferes with the clinical care of patients. This is part of a broader attack on the fundamental rights of citizens. 
 
In light of today’s acknowledgment of the violence and discrimination perpetrated against the Trans community, it is of particular concern that this measure makes access to evidence-based medical treatment subject to political interference.
 
As Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and allied health care professionals, UNA believes that all Albertans must be safe and free from discrimination when they seek the health care that they need. The government of Alberta has no business interfering in health care decisions that should be made by patients and their physicians, and in the case of minor children, patients, their parents or guardians, and their physicians. 
 
Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed on November 20 to honour the memories of Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-trans violence. TDOR was first observed in 1999 by a small group of community members to memorialize the murder of Black transgender woman Rita Hester.