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Statement on Alberta’s School Flag Display Regulation

Announcements
October 26, 2026

pflag Canada is deeply concerned by the Government of Alberta’s new Flag Display Regulation, announced October 23 and taking effect January 4, 2027. In practice, it will remove Pride flags from Alberta schools. The rules apply to school buildings, grounds, furnishings, websites and social media, and cover printed and digital images of flags, not just fabric ones. That could reach the rainbow flag on a classroom “safe space” sign.

A Pride flag is often described as a signal to students who are questioning or coming out that they are safe. It is that, but it does much more.

A Pride flag tells every student that they can show up as themselves, whoever that turns out to be. It tells a child with two moms that their family belongs in the school community. It tells a sibling, a friend or a classmate that it is okay to ask questions and talk openly about who we are. It tells teachers and staff that they don’t have to hide parts of their own lives. And it tells parents that the adults caring for their children value honesty, curiosity and respect.

In other words, a Pride flag sets the tone for the whole room. It says this is a place where authenticity is expected, conversations are welcome, and no one has to earn their belonging by staying quiet.

Removing that signal is not neutral. Students notice what disappears from their walls, and they draw conclusions about what is and isn’t safe to say out loud.

As an organization of parents, families and allies, we know that young people thrive when the adults around them make room for who they are. Schools are one of the most important places that happens.

We urge the Government of Alberta to amend the regulation so schools can display Pride flags, and in the meantime to state clearly that safe space signs and inclusion symbols are not affected. We also ask the government to engage directly with students, families and educators before the rules take effect.

pflag Canada and our Alberta chapters remain here for families navigating these changes. No one should have to wonder whether they belong at school.

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About the regulation

Support for families and young people