Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre said parents should have the final say over what is taught to their kids in schools, saying, “parental rights come before the government’s rights.”
Poilievre’s comments come amid growing opposition to gender ideology teachings and Canadian premiers implementing new parental rights policies requiring that parents consent before children can change their name or pronoun at school.
In an interview with Canadian Urdu – Hindi TV Channel Awaz Entertainment, Poilievre was asked if he had his thoughts on the “Million Person March” and if he would be joining it. The event is a planned nationwide multi-faith and multi-ethnic protest against gender ideology teachings that will take place on Sept. 20.
Poilievre would not confirm his attendance saying, “I don’t know yet enough about it,” adding “I understand that its parents who are frustrated with government imposing contrary values on their children.”
“My view is that parents should be the final authority on the values and the lessons that are taught to children. I believe in parental rights, and parental rights come before the government’s rights.”
This is not the first time that the Conservative leader has spoken out in favour of parental rights.
Back in June, Poilievre called out Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his criticism of provincial parental rights policies, telling him to “butt out” and “let parents raise kids.”
“The prime minister has no business in decisions that should rest with provinces and parents. My message to Justin Trudeau is ‘butt out, and let provinces run schools and let parents raise kids,’” the Conservative leader said.
In March, Poilievre also told a voter that he opposes the teaching of gender ideology and sexual orientation to young children.
Poilievre has yet to speak out against the transitioning of children. When asked this week amid a resolution set to be debated at the party’s upcoming convention calling for a ban on life altering and irreversible gender transitions for children and teenagers, Poilievre said he had not taken the time to study it and that he’ll “take a careful look at every proposal and decide whether or not it aligns with our platform.”
Several conservative premiers have now come out against gender ideology and announced new policies to protect parental rights, involvement and consent.
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have both mandated parental consent before kids under the age of 16 can change their name or gender at school.
Meanwhile, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson pledged to enhance parental rights if re-elected in the fall, saying she agrees parents should be informed if their child wants to identify as a different gender at school.
