We are grateful to be able to advocate for the youth in our region and are pleased to share that Chroma NB, alongside Alter Acadie, Imprint Youth, and our National partner Egale Canada, have been granted leave to intervene as added parties in litigation challenging the Government of New Brunswick’s changes to Policy 713.
All students deserve to feel included at school and to learn in an environment that is affirming and safe. However, the changes to Policy 713 – which amount to a rollback of inclusive education guidelines – will cause harm to vulnerable young people in New Brunswick.
The evidence is clear: not allowing young people to be themselves at school causes harm by diminishing their mental health and wellbeing, and it even puts their lives at risk. Research has shown that the use of chosen names is associated with reductions in depression and suicidal ideation and attempts among trans young people. We also know that, if a young person does not have a safe home situation, an affirming school environment is even more important. They should never be forced by the school to come out.
Our priority in this case is to defend 2SLGBTQI young people who are impacted by this policy, and to fight for their right to feel safe and accepted at school. We are grateful that the Court has recognized the unique and important perspectives – on behalf of the communities we represent – that we will bring to these proceedings.
Eagle Canada, Alter Acadie, Chroma NB, and Imprint Youth are jointly represented by a team from McCarthy Tétrault LLP led by Adam Goldenberg and Ljiljana Stanić, and by Bennett Jensen, Director of Legal at Egale Canada.
Media Contact:
Alex Ash
Executive Director
admin@chromanb.ca
Chroma: Pride, Inclusion, Equality Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Saint John Region. Chroma commits to advocating for and collaborating with our community, as well as providing 2SLGBTQIA+ education to all. We promote positive initiatives for the community and conduct research to highlight gaps in services and policy to encourage positive change.