Alberta Finance Minister: "I Didn't Know We Covered That"

[Shana A]

Alberta Finance Minister: "I Didn't Know We Covered That"
Filed by: Mercedes Allen
April 13, 2009 3:00 PM

http://www.bilerico.com/2009/04/alberta_finance_minister_i_didnt_know_we.php

When Finance Minister Iris Evans discussed the Province's decision to delist Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) on the day after the budget was handed down, she said, "I didn't even know we covered that." Reportedly, there was a look of hate in her eyes as she said it (I didn't see the report, but have heard this from many in the trans community who did), offset by that bright bubblegum pink power suit of hers.

Health Minister Ron Liepert has said that we were not targeted for "moral" (as defined by conservative Christians) reasons. And yet in a budget where spending was increased, and where the ministries reportedly went through everything line-by-line with the notable casualties in health funding being essentially chiropractic and GRS coverage, even our detractors see through that statement. Also notable was the fact that the cut was made without consulting with the Province's lead GID specialist, in order to be aware of any negative ramifications, learn of any concerns there might be about how it affects our community -- he'd been left completely unaware of what was to come.

[Dennis]

Interesting that chiropractic services were also cut. I used to live in Alberta and there has been a longstanding war between the doctors (who are funded by the medical insurance) and chiropractors (who weren't when I lived there). It was a bitter battle back in the late 80's and apparently it's continued. This is a political decision by the right wing doctors (including the SRS stuff now). Looks like they got power back.

I was always surprised that SRS was funded there (even for transguys, which is unusual in Canada, usually it's just women who are funded), because it's such a right wing province. Not sure how that got through, but I hope they get it back. Meanwhile, the province that actually needs workers is gonna lose a huge influx of transguys if they don't continue to fund SRS.

Dennis

[CayForever]

I am listeiing on the radio right now QR770 and they talking about this, rutherford is a dork, no idea what hes talking about and all the rednecks are calling.

Im sad for humanity

Caylea

PS i live in alberta

[Steph]

The Conservative Government of the day did the same thing here in Ontario.  It was only after a Human Rights Challenge to the Ontario Human Rights Commission was the decision overturned.  However the current Liberal Government hasn't re-instated the funding yet, and given the current economic situation they have a good reason for not doing so.

LR