Protecting growth and 'parental rights': Key messages in Scott Moe's address at Sask. premier's dinner

Premier Scott Moe said the government plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming fall session that will protect "parental rights," further doubling down on a controversial policy announced last month.

Premier Scott Moe said the government plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming fall session that will protect "parental rights," further doubling down on a controversial policy announced last month.

Moe made the comments to a room full of community leaders, dignitaries and Sask. Party supporters during Thursday night’s premier’s dinner. The remarks were met with cheers.

Last month, the province introduced a policy that requires teachers to obtain parental consent if students want to change their names or pronouns in school. The policy has drawn criticism from a number of groups who say it violates children’s rights and discriminates against trans and non-binary students.

Moe said for months parents have asked the government to protect parental rights in the classroom. Despite the backlash, the government plans to introduce it as legislation in the upcoming fall session.

“We take those requests very seriously,” Moe said.

“Given the importance of parents’ involvement in their child’s life and specifically in this case their child’s education, we are very serious. Serious enough to introduce legislation to protect parental rights when we return to the legislature.”

The premier said the province will use all the tools available to ensure the policy is implemented. However, school divisions are still working on what the implementation plan looks like, Moe added.