Safeguarding Youth Healthcare and Clinical Integrity in Alberta
Ottawa – Nov. 19, 2025 – Yesterday, the Government of Alberta tabled legislation invoking the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to shield from legal challenge previous laws targeting transgender youth and adults. Among these measures is a 2024 law which prohibits doctors from providing treatment such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to those under 16 for the purposes of gender affirmation.
Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada remain vehemently opposed to this legislation. It undermines the autonomy of licensed physicians to make healthcare decisions in close collaboration with patients and their families. In addition to concerns about compromising the patient-provider relationship, this legislation will negatively impact the physical, mental and sexual health of children and youth in the province.
Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada continue to support the Canadian Medical Association’s constitutional challenge to Alberta’s Bill 26. The legislation overrides established clinical guidelines and jeopardizes the ability of physicians to deliver safe, appropriate, and effective care.
All Canadians, including youth, have the right to make health decisions with support from their families and guidance from licensed healthcare professionals, without political interference. This includes access to comprehensive, gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate healthcare. Peer-reviewed, published research shows gender affirming care improves the health and overall well-being of youth when families and medical professionals work together to make healthcare decisions.
As a national community of world-class children’s healthcare delivery organizations, Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada will continue to advocate for Canadian’s rights to receive evidence-based care from trusted medical professionals, free from political interference.
- 30 -
Media Contact:
Marjolaine Provost, Director, Public Affairs
613-897-2485
mprovost@childrenshealthcarecanada.ca