Mark Carney calls LGBTQ2S+ rights ‘fundamental’

The Liberal leader made his first public comments about LGBTQ2S+ issues of the campaign at a stop in Alberta

Liberal leader Mark Carney was asked about how his government would approach LGBTQ2S+ rights, and specifically trans healthcare, at a campaign stop in Calgary on Wednesday. 

Following a platform announcement regarding energy policy, Carney was asked by The Canadian Press’ Dylan Robertson about Alberta premier Danielle Smith’s policies around trans healthcare and how his federal government would combat attacks on queer and trans rights. 

Carney has notably not spoken publicly about LGBTQ2S+ issues since his election as Liberal leader last month. 

Senior editor Mel Woods breaks down what Carney said.

With the 2025 Canadian federal election underway, Xtra is bringing back our weekly pop-up election newsletter, Rainbow VotesSubscribe now for free exclusive reporting, analysis and opinion in your inbox every Thursday.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Keep Reading

2025 Pride collections lean heavily into jorts

ANALYSIS: From American Eagle to Target, many of this year’s Pride offerings are bland on bland

Activist groups reportedly gave Alberta list of LGBTQ2S+ books to investigate

ANALYSIS: Action4Canada is calling Alberta’s move to investigate “inappropriate” school library books a “massive win”

Alberta to create standards for ‘age-appropriate’ school library books

Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer” and Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” are among the books flagged as “extremely graphic”

Rechie Valdez named Women and Gender Equality and Youth minister

Valdez will handle gender in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet