Alberta’s United Conservative Party (UCP) will be discussing a policy resolution that would require schools to obtain parental consent before using a student’s preferred name or pronouns if the student is under 16. This resolution is one of 30 proposals that will be debated at the UCP AGM scheduled for November 3rd and 4th in Calgary. The pronoun policy was put forward by the Edmonton-West Henday constituency association and is similar to policies recently passed in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe introduced legislation last week that would use the notwithstanding clause to override sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and sections of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed interest in the policy resolution but has not confirmed whether she would use similar methods to pass legislation.
Another proposal being discussed is one that would require parents to be informed and in charge of all decisions related to provincially-funded services, including education and healthcare. The proposal includes a “Bill of Parental Rights” and was put forward by the Calgary-Lougheed constituency association.
Critics of these proposals argue that they are discriminatory and could harm LGBTQ+ youth. They believe that policies supporting gender affirmation in schools, such as allowing students to use their chosen name and pronouns, are crucial for the mental health and well-being of these students. They urge the government to focus on more pressing issues, such as the economy and climate change.
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, criticizes the framing of parental rights policies, stating that it is an easy way for proponents of anti-LGBTQ+ policies to gain support from people who may not fully understand the issue. She also raises concerns about the potential harm to LGBTQ+ youth who may be outed to their parents before they are ready to come out.
In addition to these policies, the UCP AGM will also address other proposals, including opposition to federal net zero by 2035 measures, increased nitrogen production for domestic farm fertilizers, and repealing no-fault insurance. Some proposals, however, delve into conspiracy theories and unrelated issues.
Political scientists believe that these proposals will appeal to some members of the UCP who are socially conservative and influenced by culture wars, particularly those in the United States. They also raise concerns about the lack of evidence supporting some of the proposals and the potential problems they could create for the party and the government.
The UCP AGM will not only discuss policy resolutions but also vote on who will sit on the party’s boards. This could shape the composition and image of the party moving forward. The AGM is expected to be a significant test for the UCP and its leadership.
Original Story at globalnews.ca – 2023-10-13 22:59:20
