Open Letter to Premier Simpson and Health Minister Semler re: Access to Gender affirming care in the NWT

May 20th, 2025

Dear Honorable Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Lisa Semler,

Northern Mosaic Network is once again formally reaching out to voice our concerns about the accessibility of trans+ and gender affirming healthcare for NWT residents, especially those who are sent to Alberta to access care. In light of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s visit to Yellowknife this week for the Western Premier’s Conference, we felt it was an important time to reiterate these concerns.

Last December, Premier Smith’s government passed Bill 26, which bans gender-affirming hormonal treatments, including puberty blockers, and gender-affirming surgeries for youth under 18. It is important to note that this ban is unprecedented - no government in Canada has ever enacted legislation prohibiting essential gender affirming healthcare. Emboldened and assisted by the legislated transphobia of Premier Smith’s government, we have seen a dramatic increase in transphobia across the province and trans people, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in general, are feeling the consequences of this - we’ve seen trans+ people targeted in hate crimes, rainbow crosswalks removed, and pride events cancelled or overrun with protestors. Plainly stated, it has become very unsafe to be visible transgender in Alberta. As a result of these factors, youth in the NWT have been left without a clear pathway to accessing gender affirming care, and adults have been left to choose between seeking essential healthcare, and prioritizing their safety.

We were happy to see the May 5th joint statement from the Northern Premiers’ Forum, where you said that you continue to, “take a strong stance to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community” and reaffirmed your commitment to, ”ensuring all Northerns feel seen, safe, and supported.” We also know that you put out a statement last February in response to the introduction of bill 26 in Alberta asserting that, “Gender-affirming health care services continue to be available in the NWT for transgender residents, including children and youth.” However, these statements, though important, are not enough on their own.

The 20th Legislative Assembly has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ people and protecting access to gender affirming care, however, we have yet to see any concrete actions or plans to address the concerns that have been raised by our community. Meanwhile, Two Spirit, transgender, and gender diverse people in the NWT continue to suffer the consequences of this inaction. We cannot stress enough that gender-affirming healthcare is essential and life-saving care, and the unclear pathways and barriers to accessing care put the lives of Two Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people in the NWT at risk.

We want to know how you plan to address these concerns with the Premier of Alberta and how you will advocate for Two Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people in the NWT in your conversations with the Western premiers this week. The Northern Mosaic Network’s mission is to create a safer, more equitable Northwest Territories for 2SLGBTQIPA+ youth, adults, and families. We are inviting you to collaborate with us to establish a plan to ensure the continuity of gender-affirming healthcare for Two Spirit, transgender and non-binary youth in the NWT, and to address concerns about access to safe gender-affirming healthcare for Two Spirit, transgender and gender diverse adults in the NWT.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Thacker

Executive Director

In collaboration with Staff & Board of Directors of the Northern Mosaic Network

As of May 21st, Premier Simpson and Minister Semler have acknowledged the receipt of our letter and told us that we will hear from them shortly. We look forward to receiving their response.