Future of Policy 713 to 'hopefully' be made public this week: N.B. education minister
New Brunswick’s education minister says the future of Policy 713 could be made public as early as Wednesday.
Question period at the provincial legislature resumed Tuesday, following the last daily sitting on May 19.
The first question from Liberal leader Susan Holt was about the government’s review of Policy 713, which mandates minimum standards and requirements within the public school system for all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan said the review’s results could be made public “hopefully by mid-week.”
“I am looking forward to moving forward and ensuring that we continue to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community as well as affirming the rights of parents in our society,” said Hogan in response to Holt’s question.
“Because they are our stakeholders and partners.”
Hogan was not made available to scrum with reporters after Tuesday’s question period.
'AN UNINFORMED REVIEW'
A few dozen members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and supporters were watching Tuesday’s question period from the legislature’s public gallery.
“The privacy and safety of students trumps the rights of parents who are hell-bent on throwing out their queer kids,” said Astrid Deurloo, after listening to question period.
Hogan reportedly met with parents and students in the past two weeks, but several notable groups say they were not included.
“At least from the outside looking in, it looks certainly like an uninformed review,” said Mariah Darling, president of Saint John Pride and the education coordinator at Chroma NB. Darling confirmed neither group had been approached by the provincial government for input.
The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association said Tuesday it also hadn’t been asked by the provincial government for advice. Pride in Education, the volunteer committee that hosted a session for teachers in early May about Policy 713, was also left out of the review.
“We really don’t have our voice in play at the table,” said Darling.
Previously, the provincial government said its review specifically included students under 16 using their preferred first name and pronouns without parents knowing, as well as the process for team sport selection, participation, and washroom access based on gender identity.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.