A Masterclass in Controversial Policy Presentation

How Alberta’s Premier Tackles Gender Reassignment Policy with Poise and Compassion

For this issue, I wish I could change the name of this newsletter to Great Government Files. Because the video we’re going to break down today is simply the best example of how to introduce a controversial proposal that I’ve ever seen in my 35 years of paying attention to government agencies.

The topic is children and gender reassignment. I can’t think of many other issues that generate such divisiveness. Pretty much any legislation or policy that impacts children is guaranteed to draw intense scrutiny. Same for gender transition. Combine them, and you’ve got a volatile mix indeed.

So I was blown away when I watched this video by Danielle Smith, premier of the province of Alberta, Canada, introducing her policy proposals on this polarizing issue. Please take seven minutes to watch this in its entirety.

This is how you successfully start a conversation about topic that’s guaranteed to draw impassioned debate and criticism. Here’s a breakdown of why I think this is so effective, regardless of where you stand on the issue of children and medical interventions for gender dysphoria.

Start by letting folks know this is going to be hard

The video opens with Smith stating the obvious: “I wish to address a very sensitive issue involving our children and gender identity. This is not always an easy conversation to have.” That’s a point everyone can agree on, even if they’ll agree on little else about the subject. Starting with agreement is always a good start.

Smith then immediately follows that by stating transgender Albertans deserve support and inclusion and should not be subjected to discrimination. Again, I don’t know any reasonable person who wouldn’t agree with that.

Then she makes another crucial statement in addressing those constituents who will be most directly impacted by the policy (emphasis mine).

“As premier of this province, I want every Albertan that identifies as transgender to know I care deeply about you and I accept you as you are,” she says. “As long as I lead this province, I will ensure you are supported, and your rights are protected. In the case of children aged 17 and under who identify as transgender, I also want you to know that you are loved and supported as you work through your often changing emotions, feelings and beliefs.”

This is something that always needs to be said — regardless of the issue — by those in government putting forth controversial proposals: just because I’m recommending something you may disagree with, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. That said, you’ll have to prove you care by your actions. Which Smith does later in the video, as we note below.

What’s the problem?

Smith then plainly addresses what she sees as the fundamental problem on this issue: “As we all know, children and teenagers are in a constant state of biological, social, emotional and sexual development and change.” Again, no reasonable person can disagree with these facts. If you’ve watched the video, you know where she’s going with the solution to the problem. First, though, she’s working toward getting agreement on the problem. That should always be Step No. 1 in persuading the public. No one cares about your solution until you’ve first convinced them of the problem.

Then she goes deeper into the nature of the problem.

“In my view, one of the greatest responsibilities we as parents, teachers and community leaders have is to preserve for our children the right to grow and develop into mature adults so that they are better prepared to make the most impactful decisions affecting their lives. Decisions like choosing a career, a partner, raising children, their interaction with legal drugs like alcohol and cannabis, their sexual activities and preferences, and many other adult choices. It is my view that list of adult choices includes deciding whether or not to alter one’s biological sex.”

Notice how Smith has progressed from explaining the problem to laying out the rationale for why the government has a role in addressing this kind of problem. She continues: