Today, the federal government announced an update to the Employment Insurance (EI) application that will provide a more inclusive service experience for all Canadians.

In accordance with the Government’s commitment to promote and protect diversity and the rights and freedoms of all Canadians, EI applicants will now have an additional, non-binary gender “X” option when ‎applying for EI benefits. 

Identities are complex and notions of gender can have a profound effect on how Canadians experience daily life. A non-binary option for individuals who do not identify as male or female is becoming increasingly common in Canada and around the world.

At the federal level, an additional gender option is also available on applications for citizenship, immigration and travel documents or a social insurance number.‎

This is consistent with the government objective to better reflect the realities of our society through the services it provides to all Canadians.

The Government of Canada is committed to upholding the human rights of all Canadians. Following the enactment of Bill C-16, this new measure demonstrates Canada’s commitment to the full equality of the LGBTQ2 community.