Message from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health - Transgender Day of Remembrance

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

Statement

November 20, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, vigils are being held across Canada and around the world, where the names of the victims of anti-trans violence will be read out in remembrance. We join in this somber but important time of reflection on how we can better support transgender people in Canada.

Transgender and gender diverse people in Canada, are more likely to experience violence and inappropriate behaviours in public, online and at work than cisgender individuals. Transgender and gender diverse are also more likely to report poor mental health and contemplate suicide. Transgender and gender diverse youth who experience bullying are particularly in need of our understanding and support. Everyone, regardless of their gender identity and expression, has the right to be their authentic self, which includes having access to gender-affirming care, services, and environments to lead a happy and healthy life.

My colleague, Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, is doing truly important work across departments to advance Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, and I want to highlight her statement here. This work is critical in prioritizing and sustaining community action, strengthening data and research, and combatting discrimination facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada.

PHAC is supporting organizations that are implementing programs to prevent dating violence, equip health and social service professionals to recognize, prevent, and respond safely to gender-based violence among 2SLGBTQI+ youth, and support transgender youth and their caregivers to prevent suicide, anxiety, and depression. Raising awareness, and listening to lived experience, like the ones collected in our 2022 Pride Guide, can also help to tackle gender-based violence and improve mental health of 2SLGBTQI+ youth in Canada, particularly for racialized, Indigenous, runaway and homeless youth, and those living in hard-to-reach communities.

You are not alone. As a Government, we are here for you. If you are struggling, remember that you can access Wellness Together Canada for free, 24/7 professional services and mental health resources.

The month of November marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which will start on November 25. This is a pivotal time to speak up and end stigma against transgender and gender diverse people. Help share awareness on social media using the hashtag #TDOR.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.

Associated Links

Contacts

Maja Staka
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
343-552-5568

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca

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