News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2024
We are pleased to share that Egale Canada, along with New Brunswick-based 2SLGBTQI organizations Alter Acadie, Chroma NB, and Imprint Youth, have been granted leave to intervene as added parties in litigation challenging the Government of New Brunswick’s changes to Policy 713.
All students deserve to feel included at school and to learn in an environment that is affirming and safe. However, the changes to Policy 713 – which amount to a rollback of inclusive education guidelines – will cause harm to vulnerable young people in New Brunswick.
The evidence is clear: not allowing young people to be themselves at school causes harm by diminishing their mental health and wellbeing, and it even puts their lives at risk. Research has shown that the use of chosen names is associated with reductions in depression and suicidal ideation and attempts among trans young people. We also know that, if a young person does not have a safe home situation, an affirming school environment is even more important. They should never be forced by the school to come out.
Our priority in this case is to defend 2SLGBTQI young people who are impacted by this policy, and to fight for their right to feel safe and accepted at school. We are grateful that the Court has recognized the unique and important perspectives – on behalf of the communities we represent – that we will bring to these proceedings.
Egale Canada, Alter Acadie, Chroma NB, and Imprint Youth are jointly represented by a team from McCarthy Tétrault LLP led by Adam Goldenberg and Ljiljana Stanić, and by Bennett Jensen, Director of Legal at Egale Canada.
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Representatives from Egale Canada are available for further comment on this matter. To schedule an interview please email: media@egale.ca.