NDP statement on Transgender Day for Remembrance

The NDP Critic and Deputy Critic for 2SLGBTQIA Rights, Randall Garrison and Blake Desjarlais, made the following statement:

“Today is the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance when we remember the lives of 2-spirit, trans and gender diverse people murdered over the past 12 months. The Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us of the real threats to personal safety that 2-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people in Canada and around the world continue to face.

This year 375 people have been murdered – that's a seven per cent increase from the year before. While any murder is one too many, the increase in violence is a frightening trend. 2021 has been the deadliest year since data has been recorded about these crimes. Records show that 2-spirit, trans and gender diverse people who are living in poverty, racialized or involved in sex work face the highest rates of violence. More must be done to ensure their safety.

New Democrats will keep pushing the government to take actions that support 2-Spirit, trans and gender diverse people. The Liberal government needs to immediately ban harmful and fraudulent practices of conversion 'therapy.' They also need to guarantee access to supportive and gender affirming health care and take stronger action to counter transphobia. There is a lot of work to be done to ensure everyone can feel safe and respected.

While today is a day for mourning, it is also a day to celebrate the resiliency and strength of the 2-spirit, trans and gender diverse community here in Canada and around the world. New Democrats will always fight for you."