The premier’s announcement on transgender policies surprised Alberta’s health services advisory group | CBC News

Members of the body that advises Alberta Health Services on 2SLGBTQ+ health care were surprised by the announcement of transgender policies proposed by Premier Danielle Smith earlier this year, according to internal records obtained by CBC News.

In a video posted on social networks on January 31, Smith unveiled a series of policy proposals focused on transgender youth, including several on gender-affirmation care. He formally announced the policies at a press conference the following day.

Records obtained by CBC News through a Freedom of Information request highlight concerns raised by members of AHS’s provincial Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) advisory council in the days after the first minister announced the proposed policies.

“This announcement is politically motivated and not based on facts or clinical guidelines,” a board member wrote in a Feb. 2 email to two AHS appointees and other recipients whose email addresses which were eliminated. The sender’s identity was also protected by privacy legislation.

“I believe we have an obligation (per our mandate) to inform those in our sphere of influence, which includes the public, and the leaders of the organization with the appropriate information,” the email said, adding that the council also needed to convey “the harm this policy is doing to the health of 2SLGBTQ Albertans, especially children.”

The SOGIE council acts as a liaison between AHS and 2SLGBTQ+ patients, their families and care providers. It does not report to the Provincial Council.

Among other things, the government’s proposed policies would ban upper and lower surgeries on anyone under 18 (doctors say lower surgeries are not performed on young people and upper surgeries are rare).

Puberty blockers and hormone therapies would not be allowed for those under 16, unless someone has already started treatment.

Adolescents aged 16 or 17 could start hormone therapy if they are considered mature enough and have the approval of their parents, doctors and psychologists.

The government is providing additional support to help transgender adults access health care, including trying to attract transgender care specialists to Alberta, Sam Blackett, press secretary for the Premier’s office, said in a statement.

The province is also creating a private specialist registry to facilitate access to health care for gender-diverse Albertans and developing a pilot project that will allow counselors to help transgender youth and their families, Blackett said.

The policies are designed to “preserve the choices that children and young people have before they make life-altering and often irreversible adult decisions,” he said, echoing words Smith has used.

Blackett did not answer whether the government notified AHS before announcing potential policy changes. AHS would not confirm whether it had been notified prior to Smith’s announcement.

However, records show that less than two hours after Smith’s Jan. 31 video was posted online, a senior AHS communications official flagged it in an email to management, including the president and CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos.

“The Prime Minister released this video this afternoon,” the communications officer wrote, including the hyperlink to the social media post. “She describes changes to care options for transgender children in Alberta. I haven’t seen a press release yet or any documentation I can link to.”

“It’s hard to live here right now”

The main role of the SOGIE council is to “consider and provide evidence-based suggestions to the AHS” to help develop strategies and policies and ultimately provide inclusive health care, according to the ordinance that established it.

CBC News obtained documents after filing a Freedom of Information request with AHS on Feb. 8, seeking records on proposed policies since May 29, 2023, when Smith and the United Conservative Party won the provincial election .

Records show board members began emailing each other and AHS staff on the morning of Feb. 1, questioning how much consultation had occurred and wondering how to proceed.

“This is such a sad move against our communities. It’s hard to live here right now,” one council member wrote.

Records show that Dr. Sid Viner, AHS vice president and medical director of clinical operations, who serves as a support person for the board, began gathering more information about gender-affirmation care at the province

“The Prime Minister’s announcement on transgender care has caused a lot of concern among SOGIE [provincial advisory council] members,” Viner wrote in a Feb. 5 email to Mentzelopoulos and a senior communications official.

The Council debates how to present the information: records

Before 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, a council member sent an email asking how involved the council was in the proposed policies and what role, if any, it might play in bringing current research and data.

“I am trying to gather information that can help with clarity, guidance and options for the youth and families with whom I am connected professionally, and many personally as well,” they said.

Viner, in response to another council member, confirmed that it would be best to contact the government as individuals or through advocacy organizations. He noted that AHS, the organization responsible for providing health care to Albertans, must follow government policy.

She said she was reaching out to clinical leaders to learn more about best practice in gender-affirming care to inform the health ministry’s decision-making.

“There is no set process or forum for this to happen, so doctors may also need to provide feedback to the Ministry as individuals. Far from ideal,” Viner wrote.

In a Feb. 5 email to Viner and other executives, one board member called the proposed policies a “malicious” government attack on transgender people that contradicts evidence and best practices. They also questioned his purpose as a serving member.

“I understand that our role is advisory, not advocacy. However, even within that context, I no longer see the purpose of my role in light of this decision,” they said. “We’ve been asked for advice, but we’ve never been given the opportunity.”

Policies to be presented this fall

The proposed policies are expected to be introduced to the legislature this fall. Blackett said the goal is to have the policies fully implemented by 2025.

Some will be implemented through regulations and ministerial orders, while others may need legislation, he said, adding that “some policy implementation” will need consultation and feedback from stakeholders, including AHS.

Records obtained by CBC show provincial government officials began contacting AHS about gender-affirming care practices in the first week of February.

In a statement, an AHS spokesperson said the organization regularly consults with SOGIE’s advisory board and will continue to do so as government policies are implemented.

Many Albertans agree with the policies, polls suggest

The premier’s announcement sparked controversy in Alberta, but polls released soon after suggested people supported the proposed policies.

Market research firm Leger conducted a national survey online survey on proposed policiesfrom February 9 to February 11.

The survey collected an “oversample” of people from Alberta, which allowed for a more detailed breakdown of demographic information, but weighted that sample when compared nationally to fit census specifications.

Poll results suggest 44 per cent of Albertans agree with the government’s proposed policy on gender-affirming surgeries for minors. The same proportion of Albertans believe that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapies should not be allowed in children 15 and younger.

Opinions were more divided on older teens: the poll suggests 28 per cent of Albertans think it’s appropriate to allow mature teens, ages 16 or 17, to start puberty blockers and reassignment therapies and gender affirmation, if approved.