Poll Finds Most Canadians Disapprove of Gender Identity Policies
Recent survey data indicates that over half of Canadians are uncomfortable with transgender policies, ranging from sports participation based on “gender identity” to hormone treatment for minors.
The Nanos Research and CTV News survey reveals that most Canadian adults feel some discomfort with the policies, with 64 percent having at least some discomfort with students changing their names or pronouns at school without their parents’ knowledge.
The survey findings highlight a widespread opposition to these policies, which have become prominent social issues in Canadian political discussions.
Recent legislation in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick has focused on parental rights concerning minors in relation to these topics. Differing views on these contentious issues have been expressed by Canada’s prime minister and Opposition leader.
Over 57 percent of respondents expressed discomfort with transgender individuals participating in organized sports based on their “gender identity” transition. Sixty-two percent are not comfortable with minors under 18 undergoing hormone therapy that alters their sexual development or characteristics to change gender.
Sixty-four percent of respondents expressed discomfort with schools not informing parents when their child wishes to use a new preferred name or pronoun.
The survey indicates that the only gender identity policy with which more than half of respondents expressed some comfort was washroom or change room use. Approximately 34 percent were comfortable with use based on “gender identity,” while around 18 percent felt somewhat comfortable.
The survey was conducted from Feb. 28 to March 2 and involved a random sample of Canadians aged 18 and older.
Provincial Policies
Alberta recently joined Saskatchewan and New Brunswick in implementing legislation that requires parental consent for children under 16 to use a different gender identity or pronoun in schools.
Saskatchewan passed its Parents’ Bill of Rights after a two-month intense debate, also mandating parental notification for “important decisions involving their children.”
New Brunswick introduced its parental rights law in June last year, necessitating parental consent for students under 16 who wish to change their names or pronouns.
The province’s education minister, Bill Hogan, emphasized the goal of supporting families by actively involving parents in their children’s lives.
In late January, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the prohibition of gender-altering surgery for minors and the disallowance of puberty blockers for those under 16. Parental consent would be needed for a child to change pronouns at school, and transgender athletes would be excluded from women-only sports divisions.
Individuals aged 15 and below will not be permitted to receive puberty blockers or hormone therapies for gender reassignment therapy. This policy makes Alberta the sole Canadian province to limit gender transition medical procedures for children, aligning with comparable bans in various U.S. states.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Alberta’s measures by characterizing them as a “fight against LGBT youth.”
“Fight alongside us to defend the rights of vulnerable Canadians,” he urged. “Don’t fight against vulnerable LGBT youth.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre concurred with Ms. Smith’s policy of prohibiting children from taking puberty blockers. He also stated that biological males should refrain from participating in women’s sports.
“I believe we should safeguard children and allow them to make adult decisions once they reach adulthood,” Mr. Poilievre remarked on Feb. 7.
