QUESTION PERIOD — Women and Gender Equality
Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
April 27, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, the 2SLGBTQI+ action plan states that consultations were to have started in the fall of 2022 on the criminalization of purely cosmetic surgeries on intersex children.
It is now April 2023, and those consultations have not yet begun. The Canadian Bar Association recently sent a letter to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, asking her to complete those consultations by Intersex Awareness Day on October 26, 2023.
Senator Gold, when will the Government of Canada begin these consultations, and can you assure us that they will be completed by October 26, 2023?
Thank you, Senator Cormier, for that important question that raises a major issue.
Unfortunately, I do not have the dates for the start of the consultations. Obviously, I will try to get answers shortly.
I hope the minister will be able to clarify this.
Senator Gold, on April 15, Radio-Canada reported on an unfortunate case where a Canadian’s organ donation was rejected because of his sexual orientation.
According to Health Canada’s rules, men who had a same-sex relationship in the five years prior to a possible donation can’t donate their organs.
In response, Health Canada says it is committed to reviewing the Safety of Human Cells, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations and to supporting scientifically based, non-discriminatory donation policies in Canada.
Senator Gold, my question is simple: Is the review of these regulations indeed under way?
Thank you for the question. Once again, it is an important question. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough information to give you a proper answer.
I believe the government has demonstrated in many ways that it is quite convinced of the importance and need to eliminate discrimination in all areas.
I will inquire with the government and get back to you with an answer.
