The Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes Bill 27 – Education Amendment Act, 2024, as it introduces restrictive policies that not only place vulnerable youth at risk but also threaten Alberta’s ability to remain an inclusive and economically competitive province.
The Act mandates parental notification and consent for “name and pronoun changes” if a student requests that school staff use a new gender-identity-related name or pronouns, stating:
- “For students aged 15 years old and under, [schools must] notify the student’s parents and seek their consent for teachers, principals and other school staff to use the new preferred name or pronouns.
- For students aged 16 or 17, [schools must] notify the student’s parents.
- The preferred name/pronouns cannot be used until notification and (if applicable) consent has occurred.”
This requirement forces transgender and gender-diverse students to conceal their identities or risk exposure to unsupportive environments. In Alberta, 65% of transgender youth report having considered suicide, a rate that decreases significantly when youth have access to affirming environments. Research from The Trevor Project indicates that approximately 30% of trans youth experience homelessness due to family rejection. Given that research shows that the cost for supporting a chronically homeless individual can reach $53,000 annually, policies that increase youth homelessness place a significant financial burden on Alberta’s social services.
Further, the Act’s “Parental Opt-In” requirement for educational topics related to “human sexuality, gender identity, or sexual orientation” imposes additional barriers to students’ access to essential knowledge and inclusive education. Under Bill 27, school boards must:
- “Notify parents at least 30 days prior to the instruction or classroom content;
- Provide parents with sufficient information to make an informed decision; and,
- Provide parents the opportunity to opt their child in for all or part of the instruction.”
This requirement limits students’ access to comprehensive, supportive education. Studies show that limited access to sexual health information is linked to high-risk behaviors, increased rates of STDs, and higher levels of sexual violence, all of which place additional demands on Alberta’s health care system. Such outcomes, driven by restricted education, increase taxpayer costs in the long term and are detrimental to Alberta’s public health.
Additionally, Bill 27 requires “Ministerial approval of resources and external parties” for topics covering “human sexuality, gender identity or sexual orientation.” This restricts educators’ ability to use evidence-based resources and connect students with external parties that provide inclusive programming. The Chamber believes that Alberta’s schools must have access to resources that support all students’ development in an inclusive and adaptable environment, fostering both academic and social success.
The Chamber emphasizes that inclusivity is essential for Alberta’s socio-economic growth. Policies that drive up costs in sectors such as social housing, health care, and social services ultimately increase the tax burden on all Albertans. We urge the Government of Alberta to reconsider Bill 27 – Education Amendment Act, 2024 and to develop policies that protect individual freedoms, foster Alberta’s economic growth, and ensure our province remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.