CUPE Supports Safety and Dignity of Trans Youth as UCP Pushes Misguided Legislation

EDMONTON, Alberta — The union representing many of the Alberta’s education and health-care workers is calling for Danielle Smith and the UCP government to withdraw Bill 26, Bill 27 and Bill 29, and end their harmful attacks on trans youth.

CUPE has always fought for human rights in the workplace and beyond. All CUPE members and the Albertans they work with in schools and in the community have a right to dignity and safety. Requiring education workers to deny the identity of students and putting them in a position of ethical conflict creates unsafe conditions for both students and support staff.

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The UCP government is failing Albertans with this legislation. Most Albertans are trying to meet their basic needs, find health care, and access important supports in their schools and communities. “This government has a lot of work to do to fulfill its responsibilities to Albertans. The extent they will go to distract from their failures and use the identities and lives of Alberta citizens to sow political division is heartbreaking and disturbing,” said Rory Gill, President of CUPE Alberta.

Parents, youth, teachers, and health professionals are saying this legislation is not only wrong-headed, it’s also potentially devastating for some of the most vulnerable young people and families in the province. “Hard-working Albertans and their families need a government focused on solving problems, not creating them. Bill 26, Bill 27, and Bill 29 need to be withdrawn in the interest of the dignity and safety of every Albertan,” said Gill.

Bill 26, Bill 27, and Bill 29 are part of a disturbing nation-wide rise in anti-trans policies. CUPE stands in solidarity with trans people and will help resist threats to their rights and safety.

“Hate and misinformation have no place in our workplaces or communities. These bills take the bullying of vulnerable young people to new lows as Danielle Smith tries to score political points while ignoring the needs of working people,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock.

“Our union has the backs of trans youth and the CUPE members who help them learn, get health care, and live their lives. Trans rights are human rights and we will show up whenever workers or their families are under attack anywhere across this country,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick.