Queer Chamber of Commerce has economic concerns over Alberta gender identity legislation [Video]

A group focused on economic development in Alberta is concerned about the financial consequences of provincial legislation focused on gender identity.

2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce represents queer entrepreneurs and businesses.

Executive director Nicholas Rheubottom said his group is concerned about the economic impacts of bills that limit access to health procedures and sports for gender diverse people. Another bill changes rules in the classrooms.

Premier Danielle Smith has argued the measures will preserve choice for young people.

“Like any chamber of commerce, we represent entrepreneurs,” Rheubottom explained. “Our secondary mandate is to create an inclusive economy here in Alberta.

The chamber is non-partisan, but decided to take an active stance after members urged them to do so. Rheubottom said it came down to socioeconomic impacts that could potentially stem from policies.

“We are so focused on bringing people (to the province),” he said. “That was the messaging from the Alberta government.

“If we are going to stake our economic …