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The UCP has cancelled a working group tasked with banning gay conversion therapy in Alberta.

Former NDP health minister Sarah Hoffman established the working group in February.

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It had five months to work out how to follow the lead of Ontario and Manitoba, which have both outlawed the practice.

Conversion therapy is based on the unfounded idea that psychological or spiritual intervention can change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

The working group comprised of academics, advocates, faith leaders and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

It was co-chaired by NDP MLA Nicole Goehring and advocate Glynnis Lieb, who heads the University of Alberta’s Institute of Sexual Minority Studies and Services.

‘Not a valid health service’

Health Minister Tyler Shandro told Postmedia his party is “of course” opposed to conversion therapy.

“Our priority is always to make sure nobody is forced to do anything, especially children. Children deserve to be living in a caring environment,” he said.