November 20, 2025
Premier Danielle Smith
premier@gov.ab.ca
Unit 307 – 10800 97th Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5K 2B6
Dear Premier Smith,
We write to you as concerned congregational leaders regarding your government’s treatment of transgender Albertans, their families, and those who love and support them.
Trans Day of Remembrance is a day when we remember the lives of transgender people who have been lost to violence, hatred, and neglect. A day for communities to reflect and recommit to the ongoing work of advocating for protections and policies for trans folks in this province and beyond.
We are compelled to speak as faith leaders, alongside the wealth of scientific study, that your government’s use of the notwithstanding clause, designed to restrict the rights and freedom of transgender people in Alberta, is anti-democratic and misaligned.
Adherents to the Christian faith believe in the sanctity of all created things and the image bearing goodness humanity holds. This beauty and dignity unquestionably include trans folks. However, your government’s policies are designed to curtail trans lives, diminishing trans flourishment, while simultaneously levelling undue discrimination and violence on trans bodies.
Protecting the sanctity of trans lives is not only compassionate and just, but reflects the values of our communities, who stand in solidarity with trans folks, especially transgender youth who are unduly targeted and will suffer from your override of Charter rights.
We grieve this government’s discriminatory policies and the manner it embroils hatred and violence against trans folks in this province. We urge for reconsideration of dubious trans policies and legislation.
Sincerely,
Rev. Rohadi Nagassar, Treaty 7, Calgary
Rev. Omar Reyes, Treaty 6, Edmonton
A Beautiful Table Church
https://abeautifultable.ca/