No Quebec minor has undergone gender reassignment surgery in Quebec for at least three years, according to government data.
• Also read: CCP Congress: Conservatives against sex reassignment of minors
The debate over the sexual identity and place of young trans people is raging across the country. In early September, the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) approved a proposal to ban gender transition among minors.
In Quebec, the number of adult sex reassignment surgeries has increased steadily since 2009 (see other text below). However, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), no minor from Quebec has undergone genital sex reassignment surgery since 2020 or before 2016. Data from 2016 to 2019 was not available at the time of publication.
“Serious and irreversible”
“Genital surgery is a serious and irreversible procedure that is part of a long process of monitoring gender dysphoria involving the minor patient and his family,” explains Marie-Claude Lacasse, spokesperson for the MSSS, via email.
Before surgery, young patients receive comprehensive multidisciplinary follow-up care over several years. According to global data, 1 to 3% of the population identifies as trans or non-binary. However, several recent studies show that they are more likely to suffer from psychological stress.
In this context, a mechanism for “exceptional surgery” was recently introduced in Quebec.
“The process is very selective and aims to ensure the success of the operation and the well-being of the patient, and only in cases where waiting until the age of 16 or 18 poses significant disruption [son] Well-being,” writes Ms. Lacasse.
The MSSS states that this operation before the age of 18 presents “many challenges.”
More difficult operation
“Since the physical development is not yet complete, there is less scope to carry out the operation: the operation becomes more difficult and the end result may be less satisfactory. »
In addition, postoperative care requires great discipline, which is sometimes difficult to achieve in a young patient whose maturity is not yet up to par, writes the MSSS.
Note that, according to the MSSS, “fewer than five” youth ages 15 to 16 have undergone a mastectomy (breast removal) since 2020.
In addition, young transsexuals can take hormone blockers and then hormones. According to a Canadian study conducted in 2019 among 1,519 young trans and non-binary people, only 12% had used hormone blockers.
“This is not the majority,” emphasizes Annie Pullen Sansfaçon, a professor of social work at the University of Montreal and a specialist in interventions with young transgender people. The young people who receive this care have well-known needs. […] For those who really need it, it has an extremely positive impact on mental health. »
The latter also emphasizes that young people often need several years to receive help and that delaying access is detrimental to their mental health.
Sex reassignment surgery is on the rise in Quebec
More than 500 Quebec adults received gender reassignment surgery in Quebec last year, a surgery that has grown significantly since the introduction of free surgery and is invaluable to transgender people.
In 2022-2023, 503 patients underwent gender reassignment surgery in Quebec, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
In addition, 95 “former” patients went under the knife again to undergo another operation. The total bill was $6.8 million.
Sexual redistribution operations in Quebec
- 2022-2023 598 (503 new)
- 2021-2022 668 (532 new)
- 2020-2021 466 (381 new)
- 2019-2020 467 (393 new)
- 2018-2019 178 (155 new)
- 2017-2018 221 (162 new)
- 2016-2017 237 (178 new)
- 2015-2016 237 (128 new)
- 2014-2015 162 (98 new)
- 2013-2014 169 (149 new)
- 2012-2013 117 (108 new)
- 2011-2012 109 (102 new)
- 2010-2011 67 (60 new)
- 2009-2010 16 (16 new)
Source: MSSS
Like an investment
“These operations provide invaluable well-being and allow you to move on with your life,” assures Victoria Legault, director general of the organization Aide aux trans du Québec (ATQ). It opens doors, these people are more productive and contribute more to society. I really see it as an investment. »
Victoria Legault, Director General of the Organization Aide aux trans du Québec (ATQ) Courtoisie (ATQ)
Sex reassignment surgery has been covered by the Régie d’assurance-santé du Québec (RAMQ) since 2009. All patients undergo surgery at a specialized clinic in Montreal (whose name is withheld for security reasons).
For 14 years, the number of Quebecers who have undergone this operation has increased significantly. In 2009-2010, only 16 people used it.
According to Ms Legault, the waiting time to access surgery is at least a year, in addition to the complex medical process that must follow.
“It’s a very rigorous process to get access to it, it’s not free for everyone,” she assures.
“Among the Projectors”
In addition, the ATQ regrets the current debate about transsexuals in Quebec.
“It is something special to find ourselves reflected in media coverage of our existence. […] There are such important topics right now. […] We are in the spotlight when we don’t want it,” complains Ms. Legault.
“There is completely false information being spread,” she adds.
Please note that hormone therapy is also covered by RAMQ. However, any related cosmetic surgeries (breast prostheses, rhinoplasty, laser) are not reimbursed.
Steps for sexual reassignment
- The person must suffer from gender identity disorder (gender dysphoria).
- Two medical professionals (psychiatrist, psychologist, sexologist) must confirm this condition and write an assessment letter.
- The patient must attach two reports and two additional letters of recommendation to his application: from an endocrinologist and also from a plastic surgeon.
- He must also have carried out a health check
Source: MSSS
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.