Following its February 1, 2024 online meeting, the Chinook Winds Regional Council’s Executive released the following statement to Alberta media.

The Chinook Winds Region of The United Church of Canada is in solidarity with Affirming Communities of Faith, Pride organizations, 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates, Queer and Trans youth in Alberta in condemning the Alberta Government’s policy pronouncements that specifically, deliberately, and cruelly target Queer and Trans youth in Alberta.

We believe the policies announced by Premier Danielle Smith will have a direct and traumatic impact on vulnerable youth in our society, denying them the fundamental right to safe classrooms, communities and access to life-giving gender-affirming care.

As an Affirming Region of The United Church of Canada, in solidarity with our Affirming Communities of Faith, we know that God loves all people, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth should know they are loved, valued and affirmed exactly as they are.

We strongly urge the Alberta Government to reverse its policy announcements and instead work WITH 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, Pride organizations, health care providers, educators, Trans and Queer athletes, and Affirming partners to protect the individual rights, freedoms and opportunities of Trans and Queer youth in Alberta, instead of against them.

Rev. Joanne Anquist, Presiding Officer, and Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds Region