EDMONTON — Alberta’s health minister says her department is working to recruit physicians specialized in transgender health care, but critics say new government policies will push them away. Earlier this year, Premier Danielle Smith said her government would start working to attract specialists for genital reconstruction surgeries so Albertans wouldn't have to travel to Quebec for care. At an unrelated news conference Tuesday, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said the government was in talks with at least two such specialists.
Officials confirmed in an email that no jobs have been offered and discussions are ongoing. The Alberta government introduced legislation last week that would prohibit doctors from treating those under 16 seeking gender-affirming surgeries. Youth also wouldn't be prescribed puberty blockers or undergo hormone treatments.
Members of Smith's United Conservative Party took the issue a step further last weekend. They voted to urge the government to classify "sex alteration practices," also known as gender-affirming care, as elective cosmetic procedures. Gender-affirming care is currently covered by the provincial health plan, and LaGrange said no change is planned.
“I have not heard any concerns (about the procedures),” LaGrange told reporters. “We have made a commitment to continue with the adult programs that we currently have available.” The bill was up for debate in second reading in the legislature Tuesday.
Prior to debate, the Opposition N.
