Category: Moncton

A new report says only half of youth seeking provncial mental health services get it within 30 days. The State of the Child Report also says the rate of youth hospitalization for mental disorders is higher than the national average.

Child and Youth Advocate Norm Bosse calls it a deepening problem with rising depression and anxiety being experienced by youth. However he is encouraged that the province is putting more money into services to help young people with mental health needs.

Transgender New Brunswickers won’t have to undergo surgery now to change their status in the eyes of the government.

Service new Brunswick Minister Ed Doherty is making changes to the law which says the physical characteristics of a person do not have to define their sex designation on their birth certificate. In other words they won’t have to undergo surgery before changing their gender designation. Teens also won’t have to wait until they’re 19 to make changes to reflect the gender they want to be.

Joselyn O’Connor, facilitator of the Moncton chapter of the UBU transgender action and support group, welcomed the changes telling Brunswick News they will allow trans people to avoid ridicule and embarrassment.