'Parents Must Be Fully Involved': Ottawa Monitoring As Provinces Alter School Policy On Pronouns & Names?

The rules in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick that require parental consent before students under the age of 16 can use their preferred pronouns and names in school put transgender and nonbinary children in a "life-or-death situation," according to Canada's minister for women, gender equality, and youth.

While Marci Ien declined to comment on whether Ottawa sees a role in prospective court challenges, the cabinet minister said the Liberal government is watching what happens.

Changes In Pronouns And Names In Provinces Are Being Watched Closely By Ottawa

Saskatchewan is the second jurisdiction to amend its policy on pronoun use and name changes for pupils under 16, requiring teachers to first get consent from the student's parents. According to the provincial administration, the change was prompted by parent complaints and a desire to implement a single standard policy throughout all school divisions.

After the topic of parental permission over concerns of sexual health, orientation, and gender identity was at the forefront this summer, Premier Scott Moe signalled plans to make the change ahead of the upcoming school year.

Health Lectures In School Are Conducted For Grade 9 Students

This spring, the Saskatchewan government barred Planned Parenthood from conducting sexual health lectures in schools after a Grade 9 student in Lumsden, north of Regina, sent home a leaflet with graphic, sexual phrases. According to Planned Parenthood, the booklet meant for adult audiences was snatched off a side table and inadvertently mingled with other information.

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The Saskatchewan United Party, a fledgling right-of-center party, ate into the governing Saskatchewan Party's rock-solid rural vote in an August byelection in the riding where the high school is located after campaigning on the issue of "parental rights."

The province's revisions to school policy also put a halt to third-party organisations delivering sexual education in schools.

Let's Go Back To June

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs was the first provincial leader to address the topic of parental permission, which has gained traction among social conservatives.

Previously, that province had a policy requiring teachers to use a student's preferred pronouns and names. For students under the age of 16, they must now obtain parental permission.

After a damning report from the province's child and youth advocate warned that the revisions risk violating children's rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Progressive Conservative administration clarified some policy sections.

Psychologists, social workers, and other school professionals can now use children's preferred names and pronouns without parental consent. However, it has strengthened the core features of its policy.

A significant national civil liberties group, which feels the policies should be challenged, shares the worry over children's rights. "These policies have a discriminatory impact on trans and gender-diverse students," said Harini Sivalingam, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association's director of equity programs.

"For example, a cisgender student who wants to use a nickname does not need parental consent, whereas a transgender student must." As a result, this discriminatory effect will damage trans students."

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Parents Should Know If Their Children Are Changing Their Names Or Pronouns

On Monday, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce stated that he believes parents should be informed if their children desire to change their name or pronouns at school. Still, he did not promise to make any changes.

Heather Stefanson, the leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, has stated that if re-elected on October 3, her government would give families more "parental rights" regarding school curricula and presentations by outside groups.

Egale Canada, a national LGBTQ+ organisation, has asked Saskatchewan to halt the move, threatening to seek a court order for the University of Regina's Pride Centre if this does not happen.

Moe referenced recent Angus Reid Institute polling that found at least half of those polled backed his government's approach to the issue, but I expressed concern for children's safety.

"It's a life-or-death situation, and it's not about what I think - it's about the numbers," she explained.

Journal Of Adolescent Health Study, Published In 2018

Transgender children who can use their preferred names and pronouns reported a 34% decrease in suicidal ideation and a 66% decrease in suicide attempts, according to a landmark 2018 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

The Canadian Medical Association Journal found last year that trans children are at a higher risk of suicide than their heterosexual peers.

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When asked what steps the Liberal government intends to take, Ien stated that it is "speaking up" and listening to teachers and families with LGBTQ+ students who are directly impacted by the policy changes.

"We're keeping a close eye on things and informing the community, and the community is aware." It understands who has its back."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that defending the rights of LGBTQ+ Canadians is a top priority for his administration, releasing an action plan last year with a promise to support organisations up to $75 million. In a statement, NDP MP Randall Garrison, the party's critic in Parliament for LGBTQ+ issues, said, "Trudeau's words are not enough."

"His government must take immediate action to protect 2SLGBTQI+ children, such as increasing funding for trans and gender-diverse organizations and making comprehensive gender-affirming health care a reality across Canada."

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Sivalingam suggested that the federal government broaden the Court Challenges Programme, which assists in funding constitutional test cases concerning human rights, to include legislation and policies that fall solidly under provincial jurisdiction.

It currently only covers subjects of national importance. This would provide advocacy groups with funding to initiate challenges.

"(This) is a critical national issue affecting Canadians, and all levels of government should be aware of it."

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