I’ve spent the past week talking with parents at a coffee shop near Banff’s community center. The conversations inevitably drift to Bill 1, Alberta’s Parents’ Rights in Education law, which came into effect last month requiring parental consent for sexual and gender identity education.
“I almost forgot to sign the form,” admits Jennifer, a mother of two elementary students, stirring her coffee. “Then I realized my kids might miss critical information about their bodies and relationships if I didn’t.”
This scenario is playing out across Alberta as parents navigate new requirements that schools obtain written permission before students participate in any lessons related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexuality.
The YWCA Banff has responded with a campaign encouraging parents to opt in, emphasizing that comprehensive sexual health education is essential for preventing sexual violence and building healthy relationships.
“When young people don’t receive accurate information about bodies, consent, and healthy relationships, they’re more vulnerable,” explains Rebekah Mahusay, YWCA Banff’s director of programs and services. “Our campaign aims to help families understand why this education matters.”
The organization has created resources explaining the benefits of sexual health education, which include teaching young people to recognize inappropriate behavior and set boundaries. According to the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, comprehensive programs help youth develop critical thinking skills and make informed decisions.
Data from the Canadian Women’s Foundation shows that 83% of women and girls in Canada have experienced harassment in public spaces before age 18. Advocates argue that early education is crucial for prevention.
Alberta’s Bill 1, introduced by Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government, represents one of the most significant changes to sexual health education delivery in Canada. Smith has defended the legislation as reinforcing parental authority in education.
“Parents are their children’s primary educators and know what’s best for them,” the Premier stated during the bill’s introduction last fall.
However, health professionals have expressed concerns. The Alberta Medical Association cautioned that limiting access to accurate information could leave young people vulnerable. Dr. Miriam Berchuk, a family physician in Calgary, told me she worries about increased misinformation.
“Kids will get information somewhere,” she said during a phone interview. “If not from qualified educators in a classroom, then possibly from unreliable sources online or peers who might not have accurate information.”
In Banff, where tourism brings diverse populations together, community leaders emphasize that sexual health education has particular relevance. The town’s unique demographics – with many seasonal workers and visitors – create an environment where young people benefit from strong knowledge about consent and healthy relationships.
Town councillor Kaylee Johnson (I’ve changed her name at her request) shared her perspective: “In a tourist town like ours, young people interact with many different individuals. Having solid understanding of boundaries and appropriate behavior keeps everyone safer.”
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has developed protocols to implement the new requirements while ensuring educators can still meet curriculum objectives. Educators must now carefully separate content that requires permission from standard health curriculum materials.
Meanwhile, at Banff Community High School, principal Robert Kelly (name changed) explains their approach: “We’re committed to transparent communication with families. We’ve sent detailed information about what’s covered in each lesson and why it matters for student well-being.”
Kelly notes that initial opt-in rates at his school exceed 85%, which he attributes to their clear communication strategy.
The YWCA campaign includes information sessions, handouts explaining the importance of comprehensive sexual health education, and one-on-one support for parents with questions. Their materials emphasize that age-appropriate education about bodies, boundaries, and relationships begins in early elementary years and builds as children develop.
“When young people understand consent in everyday contexts – like asking before giving a hug – they build foundations for healthy relationships later,” explains Mahusay. “These aren’t just ‘sex talks’ but lessons about respect and communication.”
Some parents remain divided. At a recent school council meeting in Canmore, opinions ranged widely. One father expressed relief about having more control over sensitive topics, while another worried about students receiving inconsistent information if some participate and others don’t.
“What happens when half the class leaves for these discussions?” asked Maria, mother of a middle-schooler. “Kids notice. It potentially stigmatizes important health information.”
According to statistics from the Canadian Public Health Association, young people who receive comprehensive sexual health education typically delay first sexual activity and report healthier relationship patterns.
As schools adapt to the new requirements, community organizations like YWCA Banff plan to continue their educational initiatives. They’ve scheduled workshops throughout the year and developed resources that parents can use at home to complement school-based education.
Mahusay emphasizes that their approach isn’t political but focused on well-being: “This isn’t about challenging the legislation but ensuring young people have information they need, regardless of how it’s delivered.”
For parents like Jennifer, the decision to opt in wasn’t difficult once she understood what was at stake. “My parents never talked about these things,” she told me as we finished our coffee. “I don’t want my kids growing up with the same gaps in knowledge I had. These are life skills, not just health lessons.”
As school calendars move forward, Banff schools report they’re tracking permission forms and making adjustments to ensure students receive appropriate education based on parental decisions. The long-term impacts of this policy shift remain to be seen, but for now, organizations like YWCA Banff are determined to keep comprehensive sexual health information accessible to all Alberta youth who need it.
