Statement from Ministers in response to provincial announcements on policies regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy Anne-McPhee and Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equity Jeanie McLean issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon is deeply concerned about a number of policies being enacted by governments across Canada that will have significant impacts on the health and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults.

“All young people deserve to be who they are and have their identities represented and respected at school. Further, no one should be denied medical care based on their identity.

“Our government is championing Yukon values by demonstrating leadership in education and health care, advancing access and coverage for gender-affirming care services and working to create inclusive school, sport and extracurricular environments for all young people.

“In 2023–24, our government provided nearly half a million dollars to Queer Yukon to hire a health care navigator to support 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners in removing barriers and identifying pathways to safe, inclusive and supportive gender-affirming care. Our government has also made it possible for Yukoners to receive health care insurance coverage for gender-affirming care services not insured in other provinces or territories.

“We appreciate the need for families to be aware of school curriculum topics, including the use of inclusive lessons and teaching practices like our updated Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy. We invite parents and guardians to discuss curriculum topics with their child’s teacher or school principal.

“We remain committed to working with our partners, including community organizations, health care advocates and school councils to advance gender-inclusive health and social policies and continue to implement recommendations from the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan to enhance equity in our communities. Instead of marginalizing young adults who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, we urge our partners in confederation to focus their resources on lifting children out of poverty, addressing the root causes of inequality and creating a society where every young person can thrive.”