Alberta NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley (Calgary-Mountain View) said parents are right to be concerned about consent and how children will be learning about it amid the government’s planned shift to opt-in sex education. While the Alberta government wants to make sex ed opt in, Ganley said learning about consent is critical. “There is a lot of evidence that is protective against sexual assault, and this is a huge societal problem,” said Ganley in a Tuesday video. “It results in a lot of trauma for our children, our young people, and our adults.” .In response, Ganley said the rolling back on protections against sexual assault is problematic. Alberta NDP MLA Amanda Chapman (Calgary-Beddington) agreed with Ganley. “And one of the other concerns, major concerns I’m hearing is the why,” said Chapman. “Nobody has heard the why.” Chapman alleged Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides “hasn’t been able to provide a reason on why he is putting barriers between our kids and their ability to learn about consent.” The Alberta government confirmed on September 3 it would be bringing forward legislation this fall that would mandate parents have an opt-in system rather than opt-out one for sex education for their children. READ MORE: Alberta government to introduce legislation this fall about opt-in sex educationNicolaides said parents, teachers, superintendents, and school boards are being consulted. “We intend to propose legislation this fall and will continue to consult with stakeholders throughout the implementation of these policies,” said Nicolaides.
Alberta NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley (Calgary-Mountain View) said parents are right to be concerned about consent and how children will be learning about it amid the government’s planned shift to opt-in sex education. While the Alberta government wants to make sex ed opt in, Ganley said learning about consent is critical. “There is a lot of evidence that is protective against sexual assault, and this is a huge societal problem,” said Ganley in a Tuesday video. “It results in a lot of trauma for our children, our young people, and our adults.” .In response, Ganley said the rolling back on protections against sexual assault is problematic. Alberta NDP MLA Amanda Chapman (Calgary-Beddington) agreed with Ganley. “And one of the other concerns, major concerns I’m hearing is the why,” said Chapman. “Nobody has heard the why.” Chapman alleged Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides “hasn’t been able to provide a reason on why he is putting barriers between our kids and their ability to learn about consent.” The Alberta government confirmed on September 3 it would be bringing forward legislation this fall that would mandate parents have an opt-in system rather than opt-out one for sex education for their children. READ MORE: Alberta government to introduce legislation this fall about opt-in sex educationNicolaides said parents, teachers, superintendents, and school boards are being consulted. “We intend to propose legislation this fall and will continue to consult with stakeholders throughout the implementation of these policies,” said Nicolaides.
