The UCP has cancelled a working group tasked with banning gay conversion therapy in Alberta. This  practice is still very prevalent in Alberta, and the work that was started must continue to protect our #LGBTQ2S+ community. “At the end of the day, this really is about protecting vulnerable Albertans. Nothing else,” she said.

Former NDP health minister Sarah Hoffman established the working group in February. The working group comprised of academics, advocates, faith leaders and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Shandro’s press secretary Steve Buick said in a follow-up email the working group was disbanded with the change in government.

It had five months to work out how to follow the lead of Ontario and Manitoba, which have both outlawed the practice.

Conversion therapy is based on the unfounded idea that psychological or spiritual intervention can change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.