The Government of Canada to Undergo Review of Gender Collection Data

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2017

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO UNDERGO REVIEW OF GENDER COLLECTION DATA

Toronto, ON – On Tuesday, January 24, 2017, the Government of Canada has recognized that it is inappropriate to obtain information regarding a person’s gender unless the collection is deemed justified. They have agreed to complete a federal review of gender collection.

In 2011, Toronto trans activist Christin Milloy (she/her) filed a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission against Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) regarding collection of gender markers. In a landmark settlement, ESDC recognizes that unless required for legitimate purposes, it is unacceptable to collect, maintain, display or share any personally identifiable data pertaining to sex and/or gender. The government will now undergo a review of its data collection processes and determine when the collection of gender is justifiable.

“This ruling is an important step in the right direction,” says Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada Human Rights Trust. “We want to thank Christin and her legal team for taking this case on and for advocating for this issue. We hope that this acts as a catalyst for changes at all levels of government.”

Founded in 1995, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust is Canada’s only national charity promoting LGBTQI2S human rights through research, education and community engagement.

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More Information:

Helen Kennedy, 416-964-7887 x7000