The
Education Act came into effect on Sept. 1, 2019.
The
Education Amendment Act, 2024 came into effect Sept. 1, 2025, and applies to all school authorities in Alberta, including public, separate, francophone, charter, and independent (private) schools. These amendments legislate specific requirements for:
Parental notification of preferred name and pronoun(s)
Opt-in consent for programs of study, instructional materials or exercises include subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality
Learning continuity in emergencies.
The CBE has implemented Administrative Regulation 3068: Parental Notification and Opt-In Consent and
Administrative Regulation 1032: Learning Continuity During Emergencies across all schools.
Administrative Regulations, protocols and practices are continually reviewed to ensure alignment with the legislation and associated regulations.
Implementing AR 3068: Parental Notification and Opt-In Consent
Questions and Answers
1. When do the changes in the
Education Amendment Act, 2024 take effect?
Changes related to parental notification and consent of preferred names or pronouns and parental notification and opt-in for subject matter dealing with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
2. What is the purpose of these amendments?
The purpose of these amendments is to:
- improve
communication and transparency between parents and schools
- provide
clarity and consistency for students, teachers, and parents
- ensure
parental involvement on topics that include gender identity and sexual orientation
3. Will I be notified if my child wants to use a different name or pronoun(s) at school related to their gender identity?
Yes. If your child is
under 18, you will be notified. For students
under 16, the school must obtain your written consent before using a new preferred name or pronoun(s) at school.
*This process applies only to changes in preferred name and pronoun(s) related to a student’s identity after September 1, 2025.
4. What if my child needs support before I’m notified?
If your child requests support before notification the school will offer access to CBE school counsellors or other school-based support staff. Parental consent is not required for these initial supports. Students and families can also connect with affordable mental health services through
Counselling Alberta.
5. Will I be notified if classroom lessons include subject matter dealing primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality?
Yes. Schools must provide at least 30 days advance notice and obtain your full, partial or non-participation consent if the subject matter deals primarily and explicitly with these topics.
6. Can I choose which part of the instruction my child attends?
Yes. When you opt-in, you can choose to allow your child to participate in the instruction partially or fully, depending on your comfort level.
7. Can I change my opt-in preferences at any time?
Yes. Please contact your local school directly to communicate your preference.
8. Will parents be notified and required to provide opt-in consent for their child to participate student organizations or activities such as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs)?
No. The new parental notification and opt-in consent requirements do not apply to a student’s participation in voluntary student organizations or activities.
9. Who approves the materials used to teach about gender identity or sexual orientation?
Any learning or teaching resource that deals primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality must be approved by the Minister of Education and Childcare, unless it is part of religious instruction.
10. Do external speakers or organizations need approval?
Yes. If external parties present or use resources dealing primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality in schools, they must be approved by the Minister of Education and Childcare.
11. When high-school students take the Career and Life Management (CALM) course, will partially opting-in or not participating in Human Sexuality lessons affect their grades or credits received?
No, this will not affect a student’s grade or CALM credits. Students will be provided with alternative learning tasks and assessments in a supervised setting.
12. Who can I talk to about these changes and how they will affect my child?
It is best to reach out directly to your school’s principal as a first step.
