Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam tabled a bill called the Gender Affirming Health Care Act this month.
The bill was previously tabled by Wong-Tam’s Toronto Centre MPP predecessor, Suze Morrison.
Wong-Tam said the bill was tabled ahead of the Trans Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 to give the Ontario House of Commons time to prepare for the day.
With support from other MPPs who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and healthcare providers, Wong-Tam is hoping for the Ontario government to support them as well.
City-based supporters include Dr. Kate Greenaway, whose work is centred on trans health at a city-based clinic on Dundas St. W.
During a press conference following the tabling of the bill, she said her clinic, called the Connect-clinic, continues to have a waitlist of over 2000 people who require gender affirming care. Further, Dr. Greenaway said the city and province’s healthcare system require revamping.
Also present at the press conference was the 519, the Toronto agency dedicated to health, happiness and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, according to its website.
Chair of the 519 board, Pam Hrick, said there is an urgent need for wider access to gender affirming care, calling it “a human rights issue.”
CJRU reached out to Wong-Tam’s office, the Connect-clinic and the 519 for comment regarding the bill’s retabling.
CJRU is awaiting a reply.
More details to come.
Listen to CJRU’s coverage of the Gender Affirming Care Act press conference:
