Ontario's correctional services has implemented a landmark policy granting transgender inmates unprecedented rights in Ontario's penal system.
Under the new policy, transgender people will be admitted and placed in facilities based on how they self-identify, rather than by their birth genitalia. They will also have the option of being referred to by a preferred name and gender pronoun, as well as the option to choose the gender of staff members that perform pat-downs and more intensive strip searches.
"We are starting with a very important principle now, which is, in the old policy, the assumption was that we imposed our stereotypes as to the person's identity or gender. We're changing that completely," said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Yasir Naqvi, during the official introduction of the policy at Toronto's 519 Community Centre.
Joining Naqvi in welcoming the policy was Environment Minister Glen Murray, Human Rights Commissioner Barbara Hall, NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo as well as prominent members of Toronto's LGBTQ community.
"We're now relying on the person to self-identify themselves and are able to tell whether they are male or female, intersex, what kind of surgery they need, and then make decisions moving on from there. So protection of the individual's human rights is now paramount," said Naqvi.
In order to ensure the changes are implemented smoothly, training will begin in March to priority institutonal staff, using a "train-the-trainer model." In addition, A Trans Awareness e-learning course is currently being created and will be made available to all ministry staff.
"This is the most progressive policy on the treatment of trans inmates in North America. No other jurisdiction in Canada has such a policy," said Naqvi.
The policy builds on legislation introduced in Bill 33, also known as Toby's Act which received royal assent in 2012, and the OHRC's policy on preventing discrimination because of gender identity and gender expression, which came into effect last April.
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Ontario unveils new policy for transgender inmates

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