In a recent development covered by the Toronto Sun on November 15, 2023, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe introduced a “Parental Bill of Rights” aimed at ensuring that parents are notified by their child’s school if their child decides to change their name or gender pronouns. This move has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a common-sense victory and others as a violation of children’s and the transgender community’s rights. It has also triggered protests and counter-demonstrations across Canada.
It’s important to note that this bill has only been implemented in Saskatchewan. However, recent polling by Angus Reid reveals that four out of five Canadians believe parents should be informed if their child intends to change their gender identity or pronouns, and 43 percent think parental consent should be required. At the same time, a majority of Canadians (64 percent) view accepting transgender individuals as a sign of social progress.
In a diverse society like Canada, it’s no surprise that different families have varying perspectives on what’s appropriate within the confines of school and the level of parental involvement in the classroom. So, how can provincial governments across the country ensure that parents, regardless of their stance on issues like gender notification, can send their children to schools that align with their values? The answer lies in expanding educational choice. If our society embraces diversity, our schools should reflect this diversity too.
To begin with, provincial governments should allow parents and educators to establish their own community schools, similar to Alberta’s charter schools. These tuition-free institutions offer unique educational mandates tailored to the interests of students, such as music, Indigenous culture, rural stewardship, STEM, or classical education. To truly provide choices for families, other provinces should follow suit and remove the regulatory hurdles that often burden government-run schools, enabling more children and families to find schools that resonate with their values.
Furthermore, in most provinces outside Ontario and Atlantic Canada, the provincial government provides partial funding to independent schools offering distinctive educational approaches. In essence, parents’ tax dollars can be directed towards the independent or public school of their choice. However, cost remains a barrier, as independent schools typically charge some level of tuition, limiting access for middle- and lower-income families. Provincial governments should consider increasing tuition support in these provinces to expand the range of choices available to families who may not afford alternative educational options for their children. In Ontario and Atlantic Canada, where there is no government funding for independent schools, parents should advocate for their governments to catch up with the rest of the country.
Renowned economist Milton Friedman emphasized that enforcing conformity is not the path to achieving social cohesion. Explicit political decisions necessitate consensus, and seeking agreement on an expanding array of issues can strain the delicate threads that hold society together.
In essence, separating schooling from politics allows individuals to peacefully determine what works best for them. The current one-size-fits-all education system in the provinces does not adequately support Canada’s pluralism. The most effective way to nurture this diversity is by making alternative school options as financially accessible to all families as their local government-run public schools. This approach can potentially eliminate the need for parent protests and create a more harmonious educational landscape.