EDMONTON  - In response to the UCP’s legislation regulation sexual health education, pronoun use in schools, sports’ participation, and gender-affirming care for trans people in Alberta, Public Interest Alberta’s Executive Director Bradley Lafortune issued the following statement: 

“The UCP is stooping lower than ever with this despicable legislation.  They’re scapegoating vulnerable Albertans to kick up a smokescreen of controversy to cover their regressive and unpopular agenda of cuts, deregulation, and privatization. This fear-mongering distraction is just the latest in the UCP’s playbook of dirty tricks. 

“Trans rights are human rights. Full stop. We are all Albertans, deserving of respect and love. We at Public Interest Alberta stand with queer and trans Albertans. And in the next few weeks we will do everything in our power to support our community members , and redouble our efforts to focus on the issues that really matter to Albertans.

“The UCP are stoking fear and misinformation about public education. Parents are already able to opt out of sexual health education. An opt-in model will create unnecessary barriers to students. 

“Being safe at school is a basic right. Pronouns are not the problem in our schools; massive cuts and a deep deficit of schools and teachers and staff are. What we need are public funds for public education — not disgusting attempts at distraction.

“What we and all Albertans need is a government that puts people above profits and funds the public services and institutions that allows all of us to thrive, not one that pits Albertan against Albertan.”