Danielle Smith dismisses critics who say she’s misleading public on trans law

The Alberta Medical Association says Premier Danielle Smith needs to do her own research, after she told critics of a law restricting health care for transgender youth that they need to ``look up what puberty is.''

Smith has defended the law that prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers for those under 16, saying the drugs permanently sterilize children.

Dr. Sam Wong, president of the association's pediatrics section, says it isn't true that puberty blockers render a person infertile or sterile, adding that Smith should get her facts straight and be less condescending.

Smith has said her government is prepared to defend its law in court and she's willing to use the notwithstanding clause to override certain Charter rights and shield the law from constitutional challenges.