Statement from pflag Canada on Alberta’s Announcement Regarding School Library Resources

pflag Canada is deeply concerned by the Alberta Government’s recent announcement regarding the review and potential removal of school library materials. These actions raise serious questions about the erosion of intellectual freedom and equitable access to information for students across the province.

As a national organization that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, we know how critical it is for young people to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Books that affirm diverse identities and experiences foster inclusion, empathy, and belonging, especially for students who may already feel isolated or marginalized.

Efforts to censor or restrict access to such materials under the guise of “parental rights” risk causing lasting harm to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and undermine the professional integrity of educators and librarians. These measures are out of step with evidence-based approaches to education and mental health and are a threat to open dialogue in schools.

We echo the concerns raised by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, Canadian School Libraries, the Library Association of Alberta, and others who are defending the role of school libraries in cultivating informed, thoughtful, and inclusive learning environments.

We urge the Alberta Government to reconsider this path and to engage transparently with educators, students, families, and library professionals. Schools must be spaces where all students can access age-appropriate resources that reflect the full diversity of Canadian society.

pflag Canada remains committed to standing up for the rights, dignity, and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families in every province and territory.