After failing to do so in previous years and leaving it up to the provinces and territories, the Canadian government is finally beginning the necessary steps to institute a nation-wide ban on conversion therapy. 

The announcement was made in a Mandate Letter to the Minister of Justice provided by the office of the Prime Minister earlier today, which includes a long list of tasks on which Trudeau expects the minister to deliver. 

About half way down the list, the letter from the PMO states, "In particular, you will...Work with the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth to amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy and take other steps required with the provinces and territories to end conversion therapy in Canada."

BREAKING NEWS: Prime Minister has provided a Mandate Letter to the Minister of Justice to:

"amend the Criminal Code to ban the practice of conversion therapy and take other steps required with the provinces and territories to end conversion therapy in Canada.” #cdnpoli #LGBTQ2

— Dr. Kristopher Wells (@KristopherWells) December 13, 2019

Conversion therapy is a process that aims to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity through different, often harmful, techniques. 

It's been widely criticized and proven to be scientifically ineffective.

Still, in March of this year, the Liberal government rejected a petition with more than 18,000 signatures calling for a national ban, according to CBC. 

Multiple provinces and cities in Canada including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, the City of Vancouver and most recently, the City of Edmonton, all have their own restrictions on the practice. 

The Liberal government promised to amend the criminal code to make conversion therapy illegal in Canada while campaigning for reelection earlier this year, and it seems this is one promise they plan to fulfill.