My name is McKenzie Emerald McCabe (Chosen name Octavia Isabella Florence Silver). For nearly six years now, ever since October 7, 2019, I have proudly declared myself a trans woman. Like many others, my journey through life is intertwined with the nuanced complexities of being transgender in a world that is still learning to understand us. This journey is far more challenging due to costly and inaccessible healthcare.

Across Canada, thousands of transgender individuals, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary people are forced into untenable situations, grappling with the financial burden imposed by healthcare related to their being transgender. Apart from hormone replacement therapy, transgender healthcare often includes surgeries, like gender confirmation surgery or gender reassignment surgery, and ongoing mental health support. Our healthcare simply shouldn't be a privilege - it is a right.

According to a 2015 survey from Trans PULSE, an astounding 43% of trans individuals in Ontario had attempted suicide at some point in their lives, with higher rates among those who faced barriers to healthcare access. This shocking data underscores the dire need for accessible healthcare for all transgender individuals.

It's time to rally around this cause. It's time to ensure that being who you are isn't something that leads to bankruptcy or worse. It's time for Canada to step up and be the country that includes everyone, that protects everyone, and most importantly, provides free healthcare to all transgender individuals. Sign this petition to demand that the Canadian government implement Free Transgender Healthcare in Canada.