Academics and free speech advocates report that socially conservative “parents’ rights” groups, which have become influential political lobbying forces in the U.S., are rapidly gaining traction in Canada. This follows claims by two such groups that they successfully pushed Alberta to implement a broad ban on certain books in public schools.
Alberta has instructed schools to remove library books containing what it defines as “explicit sexual content” by October 1. If strictly enforced, this policy could lead to the removal of numerous titles, including George Orwell’s 1984, due to passages that reference sexual acts and rape.
Experts on censorship argue that the policy disproportionately targets books affirming LGBTQ+ identities—a stated aim of right-wing parent groups. James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, noted that these groups had lobbied the government for months to take this action. Turk and his colleagues are tracking more than 25 socially conservative organizations across Canada with similar agendas.
He pointed to groups like New Brunswick’s Miramichi Freedom Warriors and Manitoba’s Concerned Citizens Canada, which have also campaigned to remove books that positively depict queer communities from schools and libraries. Many of these organizations originated as anti-vaccine groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and later expanded their focus to include strict parental oversight using social media.
Turk described the movement as a major initiative rooted in the idea that “our kids are our property,” calling it a “backward-looking, reactionary” approach to education.
Lobbying by parent groups has also led Alberta to shift to an “opt-in” model for sex education starting in fall 2024, meaning parents must actively enroll their children in these classes. In June, following advocacy from the Alberta Parents’ Union, the province introduced rules requiring government approval for any presentations on gender identity or sexuality.
Two Alberta-based groups, Action4Canada and Parents for Choice in Education (PCE), have taken credit for influencing the book ban. The Alberta government confirmed meeting with PCE to hear their concerns, as reported by the Canadian nonprofit Investigative Journalism Foundation.
The province defines “explicit sexual content” as “a detailed and clear depiction of a sexual act,” and prohibits students from kindergarten through grade 12 from accessing such material in school libraries. PCE celebrated the policy in an email to supporters, thanking them for raising concerns about “graphic” books.
Alberta has not released a specific list of banned books, instead instructing schools to apply the policy and remove any materials that violate the standards. However, the province did name four graphic novels as examples of books to be removed: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Blankets by Craig Thompson, and Flamer by Mike Curato. All are internationally acclaimed coming-of-age stories, three of which center on LGBTQ+ experiences. PCE and Action4Canada say they brought these books to the government’s attention.
While Alberta’s Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides and other officials deny targeting queer stories, Action4Canada and PCE have openly expressed opposition to the LGBTQ+ community.
Ira Wells, an associate professor of literature at the University of Toronto and author of the book…On the topic of book banning, K stated that Alberta’s ban will likely lead to the removal of marginalized voices from school libraries.
“What we are seeing in Alberta is as extreme as the book banning we’ve witnessed in the southern United States and other hotspots for such actions,” he said.
Wells cautioned that this decision sets a dangerous precedent for the province and could have broader implications across the country.
While Canada’s provinces and territories each oversee their own education systems, Wells argued that book bans are so troubling that the federal government should consider stepping in. He suggested an order to ensure that book selection is guided by educators’ professional expertise rather than personal beliefs.
“Anti-book banning legislation is something the federal Liberals should absolutely be exploring,” he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the influence of parents rights groups and book bans in Canada presented in a clear and natural tone
General Definition Questions
Q What are parents rights groups
A They are advocacy groups that argue parents should have the final say in what their children are taught in public schools particularly on topics like gender sexuality and race
Q What is happening with book bans in Alberta
A Some school boards responding to pressure from these groups are removing certain books from school libraries and classrooms with a significant focus on books with LGBTQ themes or characters
Q Why are books being banned
A Groups pushing for the bans argue the content is inappropriate for children often citing sexually explicit material or themes they disagree with Critics argue the bans target LGBTQ identities and represent censorship
Impact Concerns
Q How does this affect LGBTQ students
A Removing books that reflect their experiences can make these students feel isolated invalidated and unsafe at school It sends a message that their identities are a controversial topic rather than a normal part of life
Q Isnt it a parents right to control what their child reads
A Parents absolutely have the right to guide their own childs education The debate is about whether a small group of parents should be able to decide what all children in a school have access to removing choices for other families
Q What are some examples of books being targeted
A Books often challenged include This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and picture books featuring families with samesex parents or transgender characters
Q Is this only happening in Alberta
A While Alberta has seen highprofile cases similar movements and challenges are happening in other provinces like Saskatchewan New Brunswick and Ontario Its part of a larger coordinated movement
Deeper Questions Context
Q Are these groups just about book bans
A No book bans are one tactic The broader movement often seeks to influence school policies on pronouns sexual health education and the teaching of gender identity advocating for parents to be notified if a student uses a different name or pronoun at school
Q How are these groups gaining influence
A They are becoming more organized
