Minister Hussen Announces Changes to Boost Gender Equality in Canadian Documents
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Promoting Inclusivity with “X” Gender Designation
Canada is committed to safeguarding fundamental human rights, which encompasses gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled plans for an “X” gender designation in Canadian passports and other documents. This initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to bolster LGBTQ2 rights and further gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. The “X” option will assist individuals who do not identify as female or male in obtaining documents that match their gender identity.
Interim Measures and Future Plans
Starting August 31, 2017, IRCC will roll out interim measures, allowing individuals to request an observation in their passport that their sex is “X,” meaning unspecified. These measures will serve until IRCC can issue documents with the “X” designation. This move follows Canada’s steps toward ensuring the right to chosen gender identity and freedom of expression. Earlier, Bill C-16 was enacted to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act, adding gender identity and expression to the list of prohibited discrimination grounds.
Quotes and Government Commitment
“All Canadians should feel safe to be themselves, live according to their gender identity and express their gender as they choose. By introducing an “X” gender designation in our government-issued documents, we are taking an important step towards advancing equality for all Canadians regardless of gender identity or expression.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
In the upcoming months, the Canadian government plans to develop a unified approach to how sex and gender information is collected and displayed in federal programs and services. This effort aims to ensure Canadians’ gender identities are accurately represented while maintaining privacy.
Quick Facts
- Details of this announcement will be available from IRCC starting August 31, 2017.
- On November 15, 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, as Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues, to guide the government’s LGBTQ2 agenda.
Associated Links
Contacts
For media only
Hursh Jaswal
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
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