On Wednesday, the Canadian Medical Association issued a rare judicial challenge about Alberta legislation that they say will interfere in the physician-patient relationship. 

Alberta’s Bill 26, which became law last December, prohibits doctors from prescribing hormone therapies for those under 16. It also bans doctors from performing gender-reassignment surgeries on minors (those under 18) – an already rare occurrence in the province. 

Dr. Joss Reimer, who finishes her term as CMA President this weekend, explained what’s at stake: ​“When a government bans specific treatments, it interferes with a doctor’s ability to empower patients to choose the best care possible.”

The CMA explained that doctors are governed by the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, but under the Alberta legislation, they are now powerless to provide independent expertise, clinical guidance and treatment options when it comes to gender-affirming care.

The Alberta Medical Association summarized the issue too: ​“To be clear, the CMA lawsuit is not about the charter rights and freedoms of youth seeking gender-affirming care. Other groups will lead that fight. Instead, the CMA’s argument relates to the core issue for the medical profession. Under Bill 26, physicians are powerless to provide independent expertise, clinical guidance and treatment options when it comes to gender-affirming care. Protecting freedom of conscience in medical practice ensures doctors can provide medical guidance and treatments in the best interest of patients, without facing disciplinary action.”

You can learn more about the CMA’s advocacy on this issue here.

CMA AGM This Saturday

The Canadian Medical Association’s Annual General Meeting will take place virtually this Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. CT.

During the proceedings, Manitoba’s own Dr. Joss Reimer will hand over the title of CMA President to Dr. Margot Burnell of New Brunswick. We send our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Reimer for representing physicians here and across Manitoba so successfully at the national level. She has been a strong champion of Canada’s physicians. We very much look forward to working with Dr. Burnell, and supporting her efforts as we all push to make Canada’s health care system better for everyone who calls Canada home. Best wishes to all!

Learn more here about how to attend the CMA Annual General Meeting and whether you are eligible to vote.