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Legal Rights

Trans* flag
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
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Related Guides

The purpose of this page is to provide links to the most current legal rights, laws, and policies gained by the trans community, particularly at the federal (Canada) and provincial (British Columbia) levels. This page also includes instructions on how to file a human rights complaint and how to legally change one's name, ID, and gender.

British Columbia Legislation

Human rights legislation exists in every province and territory in Canada. The information below pertains to human rights law in BC.

Facts about the British Columbia Human Rights Code, BC's law that protects you from being treated badly or denied a benefit because of your sex or gender identity. Information on how to get help is also included.

This website project aims to disseminate human rights information that is accurate, accessible, and relevant to the safety and well-being of trans and gender-diverse individuals and their supportive allies across British Columbia.

Canadian Legislation

A historical look at Bill C-16 passing through second reading and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The historical house debate during second reading is recorded here. 

Explains how gender identity and gender expression are protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act. Will help a trans person know when they are being discriminated against based on their gender identity.

This bill received royal assent on June 19, 2017 (Statutes of Canada 2017, c. 13) and is now law. This enactment amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. The enactment also amends the Criminal Code to extend the protection against hate propaganda.

This article provides basic information about sponsorship and immigration status for trans people.

City of Vancouver Trans, Gender Variant and Two-Spirited Inclusion

Vancouver City Council continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by tackling forms of exclusion and discrimination for trans*, gender variant and two-spirit people.

How to Change Government-Issued ID

A one-on-one program designed to help trans and other gender diverse individuals obtain updated identification. Their waitlist is at least 6 months due to limited capacity.

This online tool provides information about how to legally change your name and gender marker on identity documents issued by the B.C. and Canadian federal governments. 

How to File a Human Rights Complaint

Get legal help filing a BC human rights complaint. Call to make an appointment at 604-622-1100 or 1-855-685-6222.

Find out if you are eligible to file a human rights complaint and learn about the step-by-step process for filing in BC.

The marginalization, stigma, and discrimination faced by trans people show  how much work remains to be done to make the Human Rights Code objective of an equal society a reality.

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