New Democratic Party MP Bill Siksay (Burnaby-Douglas) not only talks the talk as an ally to Canada's trans community, he walks the walk.Last month he introduced Bill C-389, a private member bill that would amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.
Siksay is the NDP critic for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues, and yesterday tabled a motion in the House of Commons which calls on the Canadian federal government to take action to ensure that sex reassignment surgery is covered by Canada’s health system.The motion reads: “That, in the opinion of the House, the de-listing of medicare coverage for medically necessary sex reassignment surgery (SRS), and related therapies, violates the accessibility and comprehensiveness criteria of the Canada Health Act, and the government should take immediate steps to ensure appropriate health care is accessible across Canada to transsexual and transgender persons.”
Siksay stated in a press released dated June 3, “Sex Reassignment Surgery is a medically necessary procedure that must be available to members of the transgender and transsexual community. “SRS is not a frill nor is it an elective process but rather it’s a necessity for the health, happiness and well-being of some Canadians. As a medically necessary procedure, it and its related therapies must be fully covered under the provisions of the Canada Health Act.”
