🇨🇦🇲🇽Poilievre calls on Trudeau to reimpose visa requirements on Mexico as asylum claims soar
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bring back a visa requirement for Mexican nationals as asylum claims from that country continue to multiply.
In 2016, the Liberal government lifted the visa requirement, which was imposed by the previous Conservative government. Instead, the government cleared Mexican nationals to visit Canada by simply acquiring a $7 electronic travel authorization.
Trudeau announced the termination of the visa requirement as part of a suite of new measures meant to reset Canada's relationship with Mexico.
Annual data published by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada now shows that asylum claims by Mexicans began climbing almost immediately after the visa requirement was lifted. In 2016, 250 such claims were referred to the IRBC. That number hit 17,490 in 2023.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #Mexico
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bring back a visa requirement for Mexican nationals as asylum claims from that country continue to multiply.
In 2016, the Liberal government lifted the visa requirement, which was imposed by the previous Conservative government. Instead, the government cleared Mexican nationals to visit Canada by simply acquiring a $7 electronic travel authorization.
Trudeau announced the termination of the visa requirement as part of a suite of new measures meant to reset Canada's relationship with Mexico.
Annual data published by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada now shows that asylum claims by Mexicans began climbing almost immediately after the visa requirement was lifted. In 2016, 250 such claims were referred to the IRBC. That number hit 17,490 in 2023.
#Trudeau #Poilievre #Mexico
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Why is it that in Trudeau's Canada, a farmer who just wants to grow food and raise his children according to traditional values has to move to another country to achieve that?
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Juan Sinmiedo / Fearless John / Ukraine exposed / Donbass News
A Canadian man with eight children moved to the Nizhny Novgorod region to build a farm
For the past fifteen years, Arend Feinstra, 39, has been raising cattle in Canada and owned a goat dairy farm. About two weeks ago, his family moved to Nizhny Novgorod.…
For the past fifteen years, Arend Feinstra, 39, has been raising cattle in Canada and owned a goat dairy farm. About two weeks ago, his family moved to Nizhny Novgorod.…
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Ottawa estimates 25% of small businesses missed CEBA deadline
More than a quarter of businesses missed the deadline to repay their Canada Emergency Business Account loans by Jan. 18, the federal government estimated on Monday.
CEBA was the most widely used pandemic support program for businesses, sending out loans of $40,000 or $60,000 to nearly 900,000 companies in 2020 and 2021. More than $49-billion was extended.
Businesses that paid back their loans by last Thursday would have either $10,000 or $20,000 forgiven, and would not be charged interest. Starting last Friday, outstanding loans accrue interest at a 5-per-cent annual rate. The loans are due in full on Dec. 31, 2026.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that only an estimated 75 per cent of CEBA recipients had closed their accounts with the government by Thursday.
#Freeland
🍁 Maple Chronicles
More than a quarter of businesses missed the deadline to repay their Canada Emergency Business Account loans by Jan. 18, the federal government estimated on Monday.
CEBA was the most widely used pandemic support program for businesses, sending out loans of $40,000 or $60,000 to nearly 900,000 companies in 2020 and 2021. More than $49-billion was extended.
Businesses that paid back their loans by last Thursday would have either $10,000 or $20,000 forgiven, and would not be charged interest. Starting last Friday, outstanding loans accrue interest at a 5-per-cent annual rate. The loans are due in full on Dec. 31, 2026.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that only an estimated 75 per cent of CEBA recipients had closed their accounts with the government by Thursday.
#Freeland
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🇨🇦🇮🇳India's alleged election meddling being probed by federal commission
The federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference is looking to examine alleged meddling by India in the last two general elections.
In a statement today, the commission says it has asked the federal government to produce documentation related to these allegations.
The commission’s terms of reference, published last year, direct it to assess possible interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or non-state actors in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
The commission’s initial hearings, to begin Monday, will look at the challenges and limitations of disclosing classified national security information and intelligence to the public.
An interim report from the commission is due May 3, with a final report expected by the end of the year.
#India
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference is looking to examine alleged meddling by India in the last two general elections.
In a statement today, the commission says it has asked the federal government to produce documentation related to these allegations.
The commission’s terms of reference, published last year, direct it to assess possible interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or non-state actors in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
The commission’s initial hearings, to begin Monday, will look at the challenges and limitations of disclosing classified national security information and intelligence to the public.
An interim report from the commission is due May 3, with a final report expected by the end of the year.
#India
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🛢Trans Mountain pipeline to start up in second quarter
Trans Mountain Corp. will begin line fill in February on its long-delayed oil pipeline expansion and expects it to be in service in the second quarter, a company executive said on Wednesday.
The $30.9-billion expansion will nearly triple the flow of crude on Trans Mountain from Alberta to the Pacific Coast, but has been plagued by years of delays and cost overruns.
The start-up of the expanded pipeline is expected in early April and it will ramp up to full capacity by the end of the year.
The main challenge remaining with the expansion is installing a section of the pipeline through a mountain, which the company expects to complete early next week.
#Alberta #BritishColumbia #energy
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Trans Mountain Corp. will begin line fill in February on its long-delayed oil pipeline expansion and expects it to be in service in the second quarter, a company executive said on Wednesday.
The $30.9-billion expansion will nearly triple the flow of crude on Trans Mountain from Alberta to the Pacific Coast, but has been plagued by years of delays and cost overruns.
The start-up of the expanded pipeline is expected in early April and it will ramp up to full capacity by the end of the year.
The main challenge remaining with the expansion is installing a section of the pipeline through a mountain, which the company expects to complete early next week.
#Alberta #BritishColumbia #energy
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💉2,511 people died from toxic drugs in B.C. last year, coroner says
Toxic drugs in B.C. killed more people than ever before in 2023 – with 2,511 deaths reported.
Chief coroner Lisa LaPointe said at a Wednesday news conference.
According to LaPointe, more than 200,000 people in the province use drugs. LaPointe claims the single thing the province could do to stem the tide of deaths is to immediately expand the availability of a 'safe' drug supply with no prenoscriptions required.
There is, however, no substatnial proof that decriminalization of hard drugs leads to lower overdose rates. Even in British Columbia, almost a year after decriminalization, overdose deaths are up 5% from 2022, when 2,383 deaths were reported.
#BritishColumbia #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Toxic drugs in B.C. killed more people than ever before in 2023 – with 2,511 deaths reported.
More people than ever are dying - nearly seven people every day in 2023.
Chief coroner Lisa LaPointe said at a Wednesday news conference.
According to LaPointe, more than 200,000 people in the province use drugs. LaPointe claims the single thing the province could do to stem the tide of deaths is to immediately expand the availability of a 'safe' drug supply with no prenoscriptions required.
There is, however, no substatnial proof that decriminalization of hard drugs leads to lower overdose rates. Even in British Columbia, almost a year after decriminalization, overdose deaths are up 5% from 2022, when 2,383 deaths were reported.
#BritishColumbia #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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💸📈Cost to taxpayers of protecting members of Parliament hits a record high
The cost of keeping Canada's members of Parliament safe has hit a record high.
During the first nine months of this fiscal year, the RCMP spent $2.5 million on security for MPs. If spending continues at the same pace, the cost of MPs' security for this fiscal year could hit $3.4 million — almost double what it cost a year earlier.
Over fiscal 2022/23, RCMP spent $1.8 million to protect MPs, up from $1.3 million the year before.
The figures obtained from the RCMP do not include the cost of protecting the prime minister.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The cost of keeping Canada's members of Parliament safe has hit a record high.
During the first nine months of this fiscal year, the RCMP spent $2.5 million on security for MPs. If spending continues at the same pace, the cost of MPs' security for this fiscal year could hit $3.4 million — almost double what it cost a year earlier.
Over fiscal 2022/23, RCMP spent $1.8 million to protect MPs, up from $1.3 million the year before.
The figures obtained from the RCMP do not include the cost of protecting the prime minister.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Tucker Carlson talks immigration, Christianity in Calgary
Four thousand people headed to the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary Wednesday to attend Tucker Carlson's speech.
Over 90 minutes, Carlson took repeated aim at the Canadian federal government and the need to "liberate" the country's citizens.
Tucker Carlson said.
Among Carlson's major gripes were Canada's immigration policy, its "disgusting" media and gender ideology outlook. He criticized MAID, something he referred to as a "genocide," and hard drug decriminalization.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith attended the speech and took the stage after Carlson.
#Alberta
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Four thousand people headed to the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary Wednesday to attend Tucker Carlson's speech.
Over 90 minutes, Carlson took repeated aim at the Canadian federal government and the need to "liberate" the country's citizens.
This is not a political debate on which you've been invited to participate. This is a destruction of you and your culture and beliefs and of your children and of your future as a country.
Tucker Carlson said.
Among Carlson's major gripes were Canada's immigration policy, its "disgusting" media and gender ideology outlook. He criticized MAID, something he referred to as a "genocide," and hard drug decriminalization.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith attended the speech and took the stage after Carlson.
#Alberta
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Provinces concerned about expanding assisted dying for mental disorders
Health Minister Mark Holland says some of his provincial counterparts have concerns about whether Canada is ready to extend medical assistance in dying to people with severe mental illnesses.
Holland shared the feedback at a Liberal cabinet retreat just weeks before the federal government must decide if it will go ahead or delay implementation a second time.
Parliament approved plans to lift that restriction but decided to wait until March in the face of widespread concerns about possible consequences.
A joint committee of parliamentarians has been studying whether the health-care system is prepared for the change, and those findings are expected next week.
#MAID #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Health Minister Mark Holland says some of his provincial counterparts have concerns about whether Canada is ready to extend medical assistance in dying to people with severe mental illnesses.
Holland shared the feedback at a Liberal cabinet retreat just weeks before the federal government must decide if it will go ahead or delay implementation a second time.
Parliament approved plans to lift that restriction but decided to wait until March in the face of widespread concerns about possible consequences.
A joint committee of parliamentarians has been studying whether the health-care system is prepared for the change, and those findings are expected next week.
#MAID #healthcare
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🏳️🌈💰Pride Toronto repaying over $505K after federal grant controversy
Pride Toronto is repaying just over $505,000 in grant funding after an accounting firm found the organization could not prove that it completed several projects despite receiving $1.85 million from the federal government.
This comes after KPMG, which was hired by the organization in 2021 to review its compliance with agreements for three federal grants, found that documentation was lacking.
In a statement, Canadian Heritage spokesperson David Larose said the government is "satisfied with Pride Toronto's response to the audit," adding that the organization still owes a balance of $424,780.63.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Pride Toronto is repaying just over $505,000 in grant funding after an accounting firm found the organization could not prove that it completed several projects despite receiving $1.85 million from the federal government.
This comes after KPMG, which was hired by the organization in 2021 to review its compliance with agreements for three federal grants, found that documentation was lacking.
In a statement, Canadian Heritage spokesperson David Larose said the government is "satisfied with Pride Toronto's response to the audit," adding that the organization still owes a balance of $424,780.63.
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🗳Trudeau and Singh's teams quietly planning electoral reform legislation
As progress on some measures in the Liberal-NDP confidence-and-supply agreement continue to play out publicly, the two parties have quietly been in talks to table electoral reform legislation before the next federal vote.
Leading these negotiations on the political front, are Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and NDP MP and democratic reform critic Daniel Blaikie.
Specifically, the Liberals and New Democrats agreed to explore:
🔹Allowing an "expanded" three-day voting period during general elections;
🔹Allowing voters to cast their ballots at any polling place within their riding; and
🔹Improving the mail-in ballot process with both accessibility and maintaining integrity in mind.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
As progress on some measures in the Liberal-NDP confidence-and-supply agreement continue to play out publicly, the two parties have quietly been in talks to table electoral reform legislation before the next federal vote.
Leading these negotiations on the political front, are Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and NDP MP and democratic reform critic Daniel Blaikie.
Specifically, the Liberals and New Democrats agreed to explore:
🔹Allowing an "expanded" three-day voting period during general elections;
🔹Allowing voters to cast their ballots at any polling place within their riding; and
🔹Improving the mail-in ballot process with both accessibility and maintaining integrity in mind.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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PM Justin Trudeau claims Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives don't support Ukraine "to appease Putin apologists like Tucker Carlson."
Didn't quite like Tucker's speech, did he?
#Trudeau #Poilievre #US #Ukraine
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Didn't quite like Tucker's speech, did he?
#Trudeau #Poilievre #US #Ukraine
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💸📈 Federal government’s deficit climbs to $19.1 billion from $3.6 billion last year
The federal government posted a deficit of $19.1 billion for the first eight months of its 2023-24 fiscal year. The result for the April-to-November period compared with a deficit of nearly $3.6 billion reported for the same stretch of its 2022-23 fiscal year.
Government revenues for the eight-month period totalled $281.8 billion, up 2.6 per cent from $274.7 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Higher interest rates pushed public debt charges up 37.7 per cent to 31.0 billion from $22.5 billion a year earlier.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The federal government posted a deficit of $19.1 billion for the first eight months of its 2023-24 fiscal year. The result for the April-to-November period compared with a deficit of nearly $3.6 billion reported for the same stretch of its 2022-23 fiscal year.
Government revenues for the eight-month period totalled $281.8 billion, up 2.6 per cent from $274.7 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Higher interest rates pushed public debt charges up 37.7 per cent to 31.0 billion from $22.5 billion a year earlier.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Conservative Party voices criticism of foreign-interference inquiry
As the much-sought-after foreign-interference inquiry gets under way Monday, the Conservative Party is strongly objecting to being denied the same right as the Liberal government to cross-examine witnesses and view confidential submissions.
While the governing Liberals and the two politicians have the right to cross-examine witnesses and see confidential briefs, the Conservative Party was only granted intervenor status. Intervenors cannot ask questions of witnesses but can make submissions to the inquiry. They can also only gain access to evidence that is presented publicly to the probe.
Party lawyer Michael Wilson wrote to Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue late this week.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
As the much-sought-after foreign-interference inquiry gets under way Monday, the Conservative Party is strongly objecting to being denied the same right as the Liberal government to cross-examine witnesses and view confidential submissions.
While the governing Liberals and the two politicians have the right to cross-examine witnesses and see confidential briefs, the Conservative Party was only granted intervenor status. Intervenors cannot ask questions of witnesses but can make submissions to the inquiry. They can also only gain access to evidence that is presented publicly to the probe.
The Conservative Party continues to have serious concerns regarding how the Commission has played out thus far. It remains deeply concerning that political parties with official status in the House of Commons have been denied full standing equivalent to that of the governing Liberal Party.
Party lawyer Michael Wilson wrote to Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue late this week.
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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Opposition parties call for indefinite pause to MAID expansion for mental illness
A special parliamentary committee is set to release a report this week that could shape the federal government's decision on whether to allow those suffering solely from a mental illness to obtain medically assisted deaths.
Conservative and NDP members of the joint committee on medical assistance in dying (MAID) say they want an indefinite pause on the pending expansion of MAID eligibility to include cases of mental illness. That expansion is set to take place on March 17.
said committee member Michael Cooper, Conservative MP for St. Albert—Edmonton.
The committee, made up of 15 MPs and senators, was tasked by the federal government last fall with determining whether the health-care system is prepared for the expansion.
#MAID
🍁 Maple Chronicles
A special parliamentary committee is set to release a report this week that could shape the federal government's decision on whether to allow those suffering solely from a mental illness to obtain medically assisted deaths.
Conservative and NDP members of the joint committee on medical assistance in dying (MAID) say they want an indefinite pause on the pending expansion of MAID eligibility to include cases of mental illness. That expansion is set to take place on March 17.
Canada isn't ready.
said committee member Michael Cooper, Conservative MP for St. Albert—Edmonton.
The committee, made up of 15 MPs and senators, was tasked by the federal government last fall with determining whether the health-care system is prepared for the expansion.
#MAID
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🗳Alberta NDP to elect new leader June 22
The Alberta NDP have set the rules and timelines for its leadership contest to replace Rachel Notley.
Notley announced Jan. 16 that she would be stepping down as leader of the party.
In a news release Saturday, the party said the leadership race will begin on Feb. 5 with voting to conclude at noon on June 22. The application and disclosure form for prospective leadership contestants will be available from the party beginning Monday.
#Alberta #election
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The Alberta NDP have set the rules and timelines for its leadership contest to replace Rachel Notley.
Notley announced Jan. 16 that she would be stepping down as leader of the party.
In a news release Saturday, the party said the leadership race will begin on Feb. 5 with voting to conclude at noon on June 22. The application and disclosure form for prospective leadership contestants will be available from the party beginning Monday.
#Alberta #election
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🎓B.C. places 2-year ban on new colleges enrolling international students
British Columbia is banning new post-secondary institutions from applying to enrol international students for the next two years, as the province roots out "exploitive practices" plaguing the system.
Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson said Monday that the freeze is necessary to correct faults in an international education system that "has not been working as well as it should."
Robinson said the province began looking into the system last March and found instances of "poor-quality education, a lack of instructors" and even the "scaring away" of students from lodging formal complaints by certain private institutions.
Robinson also announced the province was setting minimum language requirements at private institutions so international students will be "better prepared" before coming to B.C.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
British Columbia is banning new post-secondary institutions from applying to enrol international students for the next two years, as the province roots out "exploitive practices" plaguing the system.
Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson said Monday that the freeze is necessary to correct faults in an international education system that "has not been working as well as it should."
Robinson said the province began looking into the system last March and found instances of "poor-quality education, a lack of instructors" and even the "scaring away" of students from lodging formal complaints by certain private institutions.
Robinson also announced the province was setting minimum language requirements at private institutions so international students will be "better prepared" before coming to B.C.
#BritishColumbia
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💨Pierre Poilievre asks if Trudeau paid "the full carbon tax on each of the 100 tons of emissions that he put into the atmosphere as part of his $80,000 vacation?"
Trudeau says "The Conservative leader has simply no plan to address climate change in this country."
#Trudeau #Poilievre
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Trudeau says "The Conservative leader has simply no plan to address climate change in this country."
#Trudeau #Poilievre
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B.C. prepares legislation to share decision-making power with Indigenous groups over public lands
The B.C. government is preparing legislation for this spring to allow the province to share its decision-making powers over public lands with Indigenous groups.
The Land Act governs access and use of public land, which covers 94 per cent of the province, and there are roughly 40,000 active tenures for activities and infrastructure, such as forestry and transmission towers. The proposed amendments will allow for joint statutory authority over new projects that require Crown tenure.
Because unsettled land claims hang over most of the province, development on Crown land is frequently held up in litigation over Indigenous rights.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
The B.C. government is preparing legislation for this spring to allow the province to share its decision-making powers over public lands with Indigenous groups.
The Land Act governs access and use of public land, which covers 94 per cent of the province, and there are roughly 40,000 active tenures for activities and infrastructure, such as forestry and transmission towers. The proposed amendments will allow for joint statutory authority over new projects that require Crown tenure.
Because unsettled land claims hang over most of the province, development on Crown land is frequently held up in litigation over Indigenous rights.
#BritishColumbia
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🍞Canada's industry minister 'disappointed' in grocers' cost stabilization measures
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says he's "disappointed" in the lack of transparency Canadian grocery store giants have offered so far when it comes to tackling food inflation.
As a result, he's sending a letter to Canada's Commissioner of Competition Matthew Boswell, to express his dissatisfaction with their lacking cooperation, but so far is stopping short of independently pursuing further remedies such as the once-threatened tax measures.
Citing "record profits" in the grocery retail sector, Champagne says he's confident the Competition Bureau will be empowered to "further address the concerns of Canadian consumers."
🍁 Maple Chronicles
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says he's "disappointed" in the lack of transparency Canadian grocery store giants have offered so far when it comes to tackling food inflation.
As a result, he's sending a letter to Canada's Commissioner of Competition Matthew Boswell, to express his dissatisfaction with their lacking cooperation, but so far is stopping short of independently pursuing further remedies such as the once-threatened tax measures.
Citing "record profits" in the grocery retail sector, Champagne says he's confident the Competition Bureau will be empowered to "further address the concerns of Canadian consumers."
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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🏳️⚧️Alberta's new transgender rules: From restricted treatments to pronouns and parental rights
In a seven-minute video posted to X on Wednesday afternoon, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province is banning medical treatments for some transgender minors, creating biological female-only sports leagues and will require parental consent to attend sexual education in schools.
Smith announced government policies after resolutions on gender and sexuality were brought forward by the United Conservative Party caucus at its annual general meeting last November.
🔹Alberta will ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for youths under the age of 16, with an exception for those who are already undergoing treatment.
🔹For those aged 15 and under, parents will be notified and will be required to give consent to their child’s new name or pronoun.
#Alberta #Smith
🍁 Maple Chronicles
In a seven-minute video posted to X on Wednesday afternoon, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province is banning medical treatments for some transgender minors, creating biological female-only sports leagues and will require parental consent to attend sexual education in schools.
Smith announced government policies after resolutions on gender and sexuality were brought forward by the United Conservative Party caucus at its annual general meeting last November.
🔹Alberta will ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for youths under the age of 16, with an exception for those who are already undergoing treatment.
🔹For those aged 15 and under, parents will be notified and will be required to give consent to their child’s new name or pronoun.
#Alberta #Smith
🍁 Maple Chronicles
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