2019 is the 20th anniversary of the first Trans Day of Remembrance, which began in 1999. Each year on November 20th we remember trans, two-spirit and non-binary people who have lost their lives. We mourn and grieve together, and acknowledge our responsibility to end all violence against trans people.
In the last twenty years Canada has seen progress in this struggle, including protections in federal law against harassment and discrimination. This does not change the fact that queer and trans people continue to face discrimination and harassment at work and in their daily lives. Currently in Alberta, critics are worried that Bill 207 could legalize discrimination against trans people in health care settings.
See a letter from the Trans Equality Society of Alberta on Bill 207 here.
We know there is so much more to do. That is why PSAC is committed to creating inclusive workplaces across our nation for all our members. Last year we launched a campaign to build trans-inclusive workplaces.
You can find those resources here.
We must all stand together to support the Trans community – and work to make our unions, our workplaces and our communities safe for everyone. Trans rights are human rights – the rights of our neighbours, our friends and our coworkers.
In Solidarity,
Marianne Hladun,
Prairies Regional Executive Vice-President
You can see the PSAC National statement here.