Alberta introduces amended Education Act, Opposition says LGBTQ kids at risk

EDMONTON (Canadian Press) – Alberta is overhauling its framework rules of grade-school education for the first time in a generation, but the Opposition NDP says it’s just a cover to out gay kids and expose them to harm.

The legislation, introduced today by Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, will replace Alberta’s 31-year-old School Act and govern everything from school attendance to district boundaries and trustee voting.

It will also expand specialized charter schools.

The bill, however, does not include existing legal protections passed by the former NDP government surrounding gay-straight alliances in schools and Alberta Teachers Association President, Greg Jeffery is disappointed.

“We had hoped there was going to be the inclusion of the provision of bill 24 which are found present in the school act and that’s a statement that prevents a teacher from disclosing to parents, students participation in a GSA or QSA,” said Jeffery.

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley says the bill dilutes the rules to allow schools to drag their heels on setting up GSAs and also gives them the opportunity to inform parents if their child joins one.

“You know as many as half of boards will abandon GSA’s and you’re okay with it because your values are more important than the safety of those kids, why not just admit it?” said Notley.

LaGrange says the bill still has the strongest GSA protections in Canada and that the province is committed to an inclusive, non-bullying environment in all schools.

“we support every single student and we are going to have the most comprehensive legislation that looks after every student including GSA, QSA, and all inclusion group formations,” said LaGrange.

With files from the Canadian Press