By Julia Smith, Director of Events
Although all provincial elections are consequential, the fall 2024 election has extra weight because of Policy 713, which has affected LGBTQ+ youth across New Brunswick this past year.
New Brunswick's Policy 713, which came into practice on August 17, 2020, was created to set baseline requirements for school districts and public schools to create a "safe, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming school environment for all students, families, and allies who identify or are perceived as LGBTQI2S+" (New Brunswick Government). Since the bill's creation, parental consent has been required for students under 16 to change their names on legal and official documents. Still, parental consent was not necessary to use a child's preferred name and pronouns in the classroom. On August 23, 2023, Bill Hogan, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Conservative leader Blaine Higgsof New Brunswick adjusted bill 713, making it clear that teachers will now need parental consent to address a child under 16 by their preferred name or pronoun in the classroom. It is widely recognized that using one's preferred name and pronouns is a fundamental aspect of gender identity affirmation (CBC). When students are denied the ability to have their identity respected and acknowledged within the educational setting, it can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation.
The requirement for parental consent in such a context can also deter students from seeking help/ support from teachers and school staff. They may worry that reaching out for assistance could inadvertently disclose their LGBTQI2S+ identity to unsupportive parents, further amplifying their distress. In cases where parents are not supportive of their child's LGBTQI2S+ identity, the fear of potential abuse stems from the realization that students might be compelled to conform to their assigned birth gender against their will, suppressing their true selves. Such a situation could manifest in various ways, including verbal and emotional abuse, threats of withdrawal of familial support, or even attempts at conversion therapy (CBC). Harry Doyle, the chair of the Anglophone East Council School Board, states that as a union, they,
"Respect the parents too, but if a kid says that if they go home and tell them about this, they may not be welcomed at home anymore ... Our first responsibility is to the person sitting in front of us, the kids." If governments know the potential horrors, why is this bill still enforced?
A year has passed since this change; we are under the nose of a provincial election that will change how the province will move forward regarding this pressing issue. This bill has created a rift among conservative party members, who disagree with Premier Higgs's leadership. Several party members "have resigned or indicated that they won't run again, as the conservatives are no longer a party they recognize with" (CBC). Yet, despite the pushback from his party members, Premier Higgs has even made allusions to the fact that if re-elected, he might revisit policies surrounding gender-affirming health care, a crucial part in promoting health and well-being amongst people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Liberal Party and Opposition Leader Susan Holt said the province needs to "move urgently to accept the recommendations and provide certainty to students, parents, and staff." Holt prioritizes physical and mental well-being and strives to create a government for New Brunswick that will enact "policy solutions for economic and social challenges in the province." In the coming Election, she hopes it will be "based on ideas and responding to New Brunswickers' priorities, with real, meaningful researched ways to make their life better." In response to Holt's promising leadership, former Green Party candidate Gail Costello has publicly stated that she will be voting for the Liberals to "protect everybody" (CBC).
This Election is about more than choosing a leader for a province; it is about laying the foundation for the province's youth, providing them with the tools to succeed and live happy lives, and paving the way for the future of the educational landscape. Will voters choose a future that fosters respect and inclusivity for all?
More Information Below:
Brown, Silas. “N.B. Election 2024: Liberal and Green Parties Pitch Themselves as Strategic Option - New Brunswick.” Global News, 13 Sept. 2024, globalnews.ca/news/10754656/nb-election-liberal-green-parties-strategic-option.
Brown, Silas. “Timeline for New Brunswick’s Policy 713 Legal Resolution Unclear - New Brunswick.” Global News, 22 Apr. 2024,globalnews.ca/news/10442095/policy-713-timeline-legal-resolution/.
“Leaf to Intervene in New Brunswick Pronoun Policy Case .” LEAF, 24 May 2024, www.leaf.ca/news/leaf-to-intervene-in-new-brunswick-pronoun-policy-case. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024
Liberal Party, nbliberal.ca/.
“N.B. Government Needs to Act ‘urgently’ on Gender Identity Policy, Critics Say | CBC News.” CBC News, CBC/Radio Canada, 16 Aug. 2023, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-gender-identity-policy-school-year-1.6938176.
NB Child and Youth Advocate’s Review of Policy 713, ombudnb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Policy-713-Ombud-NB-Submission-E.pdf.
“PC MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason Is Latest Higgs Caucus Member to Leave Politics | CBC News.” CBC News, CBC/Radio Canada, 24 May 2024, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/andrea-anderson-mason-decides-not-to-run-1.7214119.
“Policy 713.” CCLA, 21 May 2024, ccla.org/major-cases-and-reports/policy-713/#:~:text=Policy%20713%20was%20originally%20created,names%20and%20pronouns%20in%20schools.