Government forms are getting updated to allow gender self-identification, as part of the province香蕉视频直播檚 efforts to improve data quality for programs and services in B.C.
The change comes as the province sets new standards for gender and sex data, which is intended to clarify the difference between the two by providing alternative definitions, while also removing the need to disclose this information for services where such information doesn香蕉视频直播檛 apply.
While gender information will no longer be required when applying for the Affordable Child Care Benefit, for example, applications for family services, online employment services and other government services will be updated.
Citizens香蕉视频直播� Service Minister Lisa Beare said in a statement Thursday (May 11) that the change will allow services to be delivered in a more respectful way and increase equitability.
Gender and sex are two distinct concepts and are not interchangeable. Sex is a category used to classify people based on physical and physiological features 香蕉视频直播� most often assigned at birth 香蕉视频直播� and might not align with someone香蕉视频直播檚 gender.
香蕉视频直播淟et香蕉视频直播檚 be clear, when it comes to someone香蕉视频直播檚 gender, government doesn香蕉视频直播檛 know best. A responsive and inclusive government, like ours, understands that it香蕉视频直播檚 important all British Columbians be able to self-identify in a way that best reflects who they are and what information they are comfortable sharing,香蕉视频直播� said Kelli Paddon, parliamentary secretary for gender equity.
The province said it engaged with Trans Care BC, as well as ethics and legal advisers. Input from B.C. university students and post-secondary groups was also considered.
In 2022, the provincial government removed the need for physician or psychologist confirmation for people older than 12 to change their gender-designation on government-issued IDs, in order to reduce barriers for two-spirit, transgenders, non-binary and gender-diverse British Columbians.
ashley.wadhwani@blackpress.ca
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