RCMP begins funding sex changes for officers

Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police can now have their sex-change surgeries and other “gender-affirming care” paid for through their “regular Member health benefits.”

“I am pleased to inform you that gender-affirming care benefit provisions have been added to regular Member health benefits,” reads a memo to officers in Canada’s national police force.

The memo was leaked to The Counter Signal, which says the benefit is worth $75,000. The memo says the goal of the new program is to advance the RCMP’s “ongoing commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive and representative workforce.” 

“The benefit will be applicable for certain gender-affirming procedures not covered by provincial/territorial health care plans to help individuals with their gender affirmation journey,” according to the memo.

The money will not be automatic but subject to members being at least 18 years old, seeing a doctor for “gender affirmation,” being without access to applicable provincial health coverage, and having completed any relevant medical procedures a doctor or nurse might prescribe.

RCMP offices must submit a gender affirmation request form to secure pre-approval for the benefit.

Canada's medicare system is paid for in part by the federal government but governed by the provinces. Consequently, the amount of funding for “gender-affirming care,” including sex change operations, varies across the country

So-called "gender-affirming care" can refer to any procedure related to gender transition or sex change procedures, from the chemical castration of young boys to the genital mutilation of adults who have their organs removed or replaced. 

Critics say the procedures do not provide medical care but lasting physiological and psychological harm. Those opting for sex change surgeries are also choosing a lifetime reliance on drugs.

The benefit is available retroactively to October 12, 2023 and brings the RCMP healthcare benefits to the same level as Canada’s public service.