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Part of New and proposed legislation

Advancing policies to support the health care system

Bill 26 would preserve choice for minors identifying as transgender and continue the work to refocus the health care system.

Status: Bill 26 was introduced on October 31, 2024.

Ministry responsible: Health

Overview

Bill 26, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, would build a health care system that responds to the changing needs of Albertans. 

If passed, Bill 26 will enable government to implement policies to preserve choice for minors identifying as transgender while continuing to refocus the health care system.

Key changes

If passed, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, will amend the following acts.

  • Health Professions Act

    The amendments would:

    • prohibit regulated health professionals from performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors
    • prohibit regulated health professionals from prescribing hormone replacement therapies including puberty blockers to minors for the treatment of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence, except in accordance with the exceptions set out by the Minister of Health 
      • exceptions would be made for minors aged 16 and 17 with parental, physician and psychologist approval, and for minors who have already been prescribed hormone replacement therapies to treat gender dysphoria or gender incongruence
    • provide additional definitions to the Act to provide clarity in the legislation

  • Provincial Health Agencies Act

    The amendments would:

    • allow Alberta Health Services to transition to an acute care service delivery provider
    • enable provincial health agencies to establish a patient concerns resolution process to support the diverse needs of patients and improve care for all Albertans
    • lay the groundwork for the new health agencies to begin operations
    • enable work to continue on the acute care provincial health agency

  • Public Health Act

    The amendments would:

    • introduce a preamble to the act and clarify the definition of what constitutes a public health emergency

  • Health Information Act

    The amendments would:

    • designate the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services as a custodian that would enable the ministry to access information to improve health service planning and delivery

Next steps

Health Professions Act 

  • The prohibition on regulated health professionals performing sex reassignment surgery on minors would come into effect upon Royal Assent.
  • The prohibition on regulated health professionals prescribing hormone therapies to minors for the treatment of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence would come into effect in early 2025.
    • A Ministerial Order would outline exemptions for minors aged 16 and 17 with parental, physician and psychologist approval, and for minors who have already been prescribed hormone replacement therapies to treat gender dysphoria or gender incongruence

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