The Nova Scotia government is pledging to support gender-affirming care in its first-ever 2SLGBTQIA+ action plan. The plan, which started after recommendations from the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy in July 2023, seeks to address systemic barriers and improve access to services, according to a news release from the province. The province developed the plan after engaging 448 people in a survey and leading five engagement sessions with the community. “We have heard loud and clear that while progress has been made, challenges remain,” said Scott Armstrong, minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, in the release. “This plan is not just about recognizing those challenges; it is about taking concrete steps to address them. “Change does not happen in isolation. It requires ongoing collaboration across and between government, community organizations, and the people most impacted.” The action plan says community members cited issues with access to health care, housing and justice services. They also said gender-affirming care is inconsistent with long wait times and limited rural availability. The action plan pledges to provide operational funding for provincewide continuity of care with prideHealth, which offers services to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It also pledges to improve the surgical application process for gender-affirming care procedures and establish a provincewide virtual navigation support for gender-affirming care. Other parts of the plan include: For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
