Expressing your concerns about Alberta’s Bills 26, 27, and 29 and their impacts on transgender children, youth, and loved ones. 

PDF version of this resource

First, here’s how to set up your letter

Identify who your MLA is. All names, ridings, and contact information can be found here.

If you are writing from the NWT or BC parts of our Region, address your letter to the Premier and relevant Ministers (see the Executive’s January 2025 letter).

Start your letter with: your name, your address, your phone number and email, and the date.
List the recipients’ names and including their titles (generally, Honourable or Hon.)

Dear RECIPIENT’S NAME including TITLE

Content

Key message: Rescind the bills and name the harms, as people and communities of faith

It’s far better not to use a form letter. Instead, speak personally or as a congregation, focusing on the matters that concern you most and that you feel most confident speaking to. Use a card if you like; handwrite your letter if you like. You can post it and take a scan and email it. And consider a group writing day for your community of faith! You can invite the wider community too.

Above all, name that you are people of faith. There is solid evidence that this legislation exists mostly because of pressure from Christian groups. As Affirming Christians who follow Jesus’ greatest commandments (Matthew 22: 36-40), we must ensure we speak from our faith as we advocate for an approach of love, justice, and full inclusion. Dust off your bible; create space in your church for some conversation about the commitments faith calls us to.

Some content ideas follow.  Use as you wish, and also check the Northern Spirit Executive letter and the Affirming Connections resources list and legislation summary for ideas. Our March 2024 action also includes some further details.

Lead with your “ask”: don’t bury it

Eg: I am/ we are writing to you with profound concern regarding the recent policies (Bills 26, 27, & 29) passed in Alberta. The policies, particularly those affecting transgender and non-binary individuals, not only defy the principles of equality and inclusion but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of all of our province’s youth.

Speak personally

Eg: As a concerned resident of Alberta and a person of faith, I find it deeply troubling that the government’s actions align with extremist ideologies that threaten violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community. My faith calls me to stand with the marginalized and the vulnerable, and I am seeing my government create laws that targets their very existence. These policies are contributing to a toxic environment where discrimination is being legislated.

Name the harms created by this legislation

You do not need to name all of them if you wish, and you should concentrate on those bills that you’re best able to speak to personally or as a group.

Bill 26 calls for a ban on hormone therapy for transgender youth and restrictions on gender-affirming care. This is not only regressive but also contradicts the values of equality and freedom that your government claims to uphold. Albertan families will be unable to receive the medical care they know is necessary and, often, life-saving. By targeting vulnerable members of our society and undermining their rights, the government is perpetuating harm and division rather than fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. You can read the bill here.

Bill 27 will effectively eradicate sexual health education. While it purports to introduce a parental opt-in system of sexual health education — instead of the current opt-out system — the requirements are so burdensome that the quality of sex education will inevitably erode significantly. In Alberta, the last two years of data show a 12.7% increase in reports of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Bill 27 will increase these numbers by going against decades of research showing that age-appropriate, comprehensive sex education — unlike abstinence-only sex education — reduces teen pregnancy rates and STIs and supports the reduction of child sexual abuse. You can read the bill here.

Bill 29 will effectively prevent transgender girls and women from participating in competitive and recreational sports with cisgender girls and women, even in elementary school. Read the bill here.

Closing: ask for a response!

Thank you for considering my concerns. Please take decisive action to address this critical matter and restore the values of inclusivity and acceptance that define our province. I look forward to your timely written response to my concerns.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME/ NAMES OF CONGREGANTS AND COMMUNITY OF FAITH

Follow up

Give it a month, then write and ask for a response. Or better yet, call the MLA’s office. Again, identify yourself a community of faith or person of faith. Consider working with other groups in the community to request a meeting with the MLA. Preparing for a meeting is a great way to get to know who else is concerned, and to hear more about both the impacts and how your community of faith can take bold steps to support others- and your own members. THANK YOU.