Pride groups and some health-care providers are harshly criticizing the Alberta government’s latest attempt to get feedback on its proposed gender identity policies — a private invite that requires participants to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

“If [Premier Danielle Smith] really wants to hear what we have to say, she can schedule a public hearing where those of us who are part of the medical community can be on record to say what we think about this,” said Dr. Jake Donaldson, a Calgary family physician who provides gender-affirming health care.

“I understand there are people who feel strongly about this and people who may not feel safe being vocal about these issues … but at the end of the day, this needs to be a public conversation.”

In an email obtained by CBC News, the provincial government invited 40 organizations and individuals to participate in virtual focus group sessions about its proposed policies. The new rules would affect student gender identity, youth gender-affirming surgeries and health care, and trans women’s participation in sports.

The email is signed by a senior policy adviser for Alberta Health. It notes that if invitees want to participate, they must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).