The Alberta government, under Premier Danielle Smith, has enacted a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for youth aged 15 and younger, including access to puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy. This legislation has faced legal challenges from organizations like Skipping Stone and Egale Canada, which argue that the ban causes irreparable harm. In December 2025, the Alberta government invoked the notwithstanding clause to protect this ban from court challenges for five years. Smith claims that the ban is based on scientific evidence, particularly referencing the Cass Review from the U.K., which recommended limiting the prescription of puberty blockers. However, critics argue that this interpretation of evidence is selective and ignores significant research showing the benefits of gender-affirming care, including studies indicating that such care improves mental health outcomes for trans youth. Data from Alberta's own research indicates that 56% of parents of trans youth report a deterioration in their child's mental health since the ban, with many noting increased anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. The situation in Alberta raises broader concerns about the potential for similar anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies in other provinces, emphasizing the need for policymakers to engage with comprehensive scientific evidence rather than selectively citing studies that support their agendas.