Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition is highlighting the challenges faced by queer youth accessing mental health supports following the introduction of the ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ in the legislature.

Sarah Mackenzie lost her 14-year-old child Hailey “Bee” Mackenzie Lawson to suicide in May of 2023. Bee had come out as non-binary in 2021 and had struggled with their mental health for many years.

Bee’s story was used as one tragic example of the challenges faced by queer youth in the province.

“What happened to my child and so many others should not be happening. They deserve better supports, resources, and care,” Mackenzie said in a news release.

Bee had lost four friends to suicide over the past year, the most recent just the night before.

“This is not just a crisis - it’s an epidemic. There is a system failure and instead of talking about that, the government is trying to divide us with smokescreens to avoid taking accountability and action.”