Alberta NDP MLA Julia Hayter (Calgary-Edgemont) said the Alberta government is wrong to commemorate Consent Awareness Week amid its plan to change how students receive sex education. The Alberta government will be introducing a bill this fall to require parents sign up to have their children opt in rather than opt out of sex ed. “This move clearly indicates their hypocritical position on consent,” said Hayter in a Monday statement. “If the UCP (United Conservative Party) government was truly focused on ending sexual- and gender-based violence, they would not be putting up barriers to the very education that can help young Albertans be safe.”.Alberta Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney said on August 29 the government would be acknowledging the third week of September as Consent Awareness Week moving forward to match what students, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations do. “WHEREAS Consent Awareness Week in Alberta will provide an opportunity each September to increase the awareness of the importance of consent,” said Sawhney. “THEREFORE, I, Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, pursuant to Section Three of the Special Days Act, hereby declare the third week of September, commencing on the third Monday in September and concluding on the following Friday, as Consent Awareness Week in perpetuity in the Province of Alberta.” Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides responded by saying consent is important and will continue to be taught in schools. “Consent is a fundamental piece of a child’s education and students will continue to learn about it throughout their entire education,” said Nicolaides.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,” he said.
