Questions linger over N.B. government review of LGBTQ+ policy
New Brunswick’s premier was grilled Tuesday over his government’s plan to review a three-year-old policy designed to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ persons in the province.
But, things quickly turned when Blaine Higgs was asked by reporters whether kids are born gay.
"I'm not going to surmise or be hypothetical I don't know ... I don't know,” the Premier replied.
The premier also questioned whether kids should attend drag queen story times. These are children's events hosted by drag queens. Advocates say they’re designed to introduce children to LGBTQ+ people, though critics say they confuse young audiences.
"Are we asking should kids in elementary school and kindergarten be exposed to drag queen reading time is that what you're asking because no I don't think they should be at that age," the premier said.
The premier was also asked about conversion therapy.
" I can't speak to... well it may be a reality, I'm not saying I'm in support of that reality, or I'm not,” Higgs said. “But, my point would be you know today there are a lot of decisions that would never have been quite the same many years ago,” he continued.
Prior to the scrum, Policy 713 was the focus of question period.
The policy originally established minimum standards for schools to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students.
The Higgs government is reviewing the policy because the department of education says they've received hundreds of complaints.
The department provided the province's Child and Youth Advocate with only four emails regarding the policy - one of which asked to strengthen it.
"The minister can review anything he likes,” Kelly Lamrock said.
He came out today with findings and recommendations following an investigation of the review of Policy 713.
“Our position is lets have clear terms of reference, make it clear that the rights and aims of the policy are going to remain, and give students and teachers a voice in their own community,” the advocate said. “I think those are our guidelines.”
Lamrock said he doesn’t like the education department’s review process, saying the department shouldn’t revisit decisions based on three emails.
“We don't send reviews out without terms of reference, we don't start reviews and not articulate what we're supposed to be reviewing,” he said.
The province’s opposition Liberals had plenty to say about the review process.
"The three complaints that came in before the review seem to be very different to the complaints that have come in since the government has initiated it,” said Susan Holt, Leader of NB’s Liberal Party.
“It's the government's role as a leader to address those fears in clear communication with explanations of their policy, not try to divide parents into us and them categories,” Holt added.
For the latest New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Prime Minister Trudeau to meet Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has landed in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday evening to meet with U.S.-president elect Donald Trump, sources confirm to CTV News.
'Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!': Details emerge in Boeing 737 incident at Montreal airport
New details suggest that there were communication issues between the pilots of a charter flight and the control tower at Montreal's Mirabel airport when a Boeing 737 made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
Hit man offered $100,000 to kill Montreal crime reporter covering his trial
Political leaders and press freedom groups on Friday were left shell-shocked after Montreal news outlet La Presse revealed that a hit man had offered $100,000 to have one of its crime reporters assassinated.
Cucumbers sold in Ontario, other provinces recalled over possible salmonella contamination
A U.S. company is recalling cucumbers sold in Ontario and other Canadian provinces due to possible salmonella contamination.
John Herdman resigns as head coach of Toronto FC
John Herdman, embroiled in the drone-spying scandal that has dogged Canada Soccer, has resigned as coach of Toronto FC.
Musk joins Trump and family for Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago
Elon Musk had a seat at the family table for Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago, joining President-elect Donald Trump, Melania Trump and their 18-year-old son.
Billboard apologizes to Taylor Swift for video snafu
Billboard put together a video of some of Swift’s achievements and used a clip from Kanye West’s music video for the song “Famous.”
Trudeau says no question Trump is serious on tariff threat
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's threats on tariffs should be taken seriously.
In a shock offensive, insurgents breach Syria's largest city for the first time since 2016
Insurgents breached Syria's largest city Friday and clashed with government forces for the first time since 2016, according to a war monitor and fighters, in a surprise attack that sent residents fleeing and added fresh uncertainty to a region reeling from multiple wars.