I celebrate today’s announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the introduction of legislation to include gender identity and gender expression in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Prime Minister’s announcement was made to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Under the Vice Presidential Strategic Implementation Committee on Equity and Diversity (VPSICED), a Trans, Two-Spirited and Gender Diverse working group has been established, chaired by Dr. Mary Bryson, Senior Associate Dean, Administration & Innovation, Faculty of Education. The working group will provide recommendations to the VPSICED in the autumn.
UBC looks forward to taking a leadership role to include gender identity and gender expression in the named grounds covered by our policy on discrimination and harassment. These changes are necessary so that all members of our community may be assured that they can work, study and live to their full potential at UBC.
Sara-Jane Finlay, Ph.D.
Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion
University of British Columbia