Upholding the Rights of Youth, and the Integrity of the Physician Patient Relationship

Ottawa – May 28, 2025 – In Fall 2024, the Alberta government tabled legislation prohibiting the delivery of gender-affirming care to minors. Children’s Healthcare Canada strongly opposes any legislation that interferes with the autonomy of licensed physicians to make healthcare decisions in close collaboration with patients and their families. In addition to concerns compromising the patient-provider relationship, this legislation will most certainly negatively impact the physical, mental and sexual health of children and youth in the province.  

Children’s Healthcare Canada supports the Canadian Medical Association’s constitutional challenge of Alberta Bill 26 as a necessary response to unprecedented legislation. The legislation overrides established clinical guidelines and jeopardizes the ability of physicians to meet the needs of their patients.  

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.

“Youth exploring their gender identity are already a marginalized group, experiencing high levels of bias, harm, and mental health struggles. By providing comprehensive healthcare options, we uphold the dignity of these youth and provide them with the best available information, evidence and where appropriate, psychological and medical interventions to thrive,” says Children’s Healthcare Canada Board Chair, and CEO, IWK Health, Dr. Krista Jangaard.   

As a community of world-class children’s healthcare delivery organizations, Children’s Healthcare Canada urges Alberta government officials to reverse course on this harmful legislation.

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Media Contact: 
Marjolaine Provost, Director, Public Affairs
613-897-2485 
mprovost@childrenshealthcarecanada.ca