Alberta’s government will be funding gender reassignment surgeries for 46 people in the system, but those who are currently considering surgeries will have to pay out of their own pocket, confirmed Premier Ed Stelmach yesterday.
Stelmach’s comments came within minutes after Health Minister Ron Liepert told the legislature 26 patients will get funding for the surgery and another 20 will be getting approvals for funding. The government decided to cut the service from this year’s budget, which could save roughly $700,000 a year.
Several patients have already vowed to file a complaint today with the province’s human rights commission. The Alberta Liberals say a legal challenge could leave Alberta taxpayers with a bill that costs the same as the cutback.
