Thank you, Madam Chair.
I wish to speak in support of this amendment. I believe the amendment is necessary, having regard for the fact that the definition provided for is incredibly expansive in nature. I am concerned that it could cover situations involving parents, counsellors, faith leaders and others. We heard significant concern expressed in that regard.
The minister points to the two exemptions. One is with respect “to a person's gender transition”. Well, I would submit that this is quite narrow in scope in terms of what would be covered pursuant to that exemption. The second is with respect “to a person's exploration of their identity or to its development”. That is an incredibly vague term.
I think what is required is clarity. It's nice and well for the minister to be confident that it's not going to cover these types of good-faith conversations. It's nice to post a reassurance on the Department of Justice's website, but what matters is not the minster's reassurance or the reassurances provided on the department's website. What matters is what is in the legislation.
I believe clarity is required that is currently lacking, and I therefore will be supporting this important amendment.