The leader of the Federal Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, has spoken up in support of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to ban surgical “transitions” for children, after initially silencing his MPs on the matter. Poilievre accused reporters who asked him about restricting “healthcare access to transgender youth” of spreading disinformation and defended Smith’s decision as being in the interest of parental rights.
Poilievre also contended that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has attacked Christian and Muslim parents and accused them of not being able to be trusted with their children. He stated, “I think we have to trust parents. No one cares for their kids more than parents,” reinforcing his support for Smith’s stance.
Last week, Smith announced legislation intended to protect children from undergoing life-altering gender transitioning procedures. This move has been met with approval from many conservative campaigners. The legislation will, among other measures, prohibit doctors in Alberta from medically or surgically transitioning children under the age of 17 and require parental consent for children to change their pronouns at school. Additional legislation expected in the fall will prevent biological men who identify as women from competing in women’s sports.