Saskatoon mayor says he wants provincial pronoun legislation withdrawn

Saskatoon’s mayor has weighed in on the proposed pronoun law making its way through the Legislature Assembly in Regina.

The proposed legislation requires schools to inform parents when a student under the age of 16 wishes to change the name or pronouns they use in school, a policy which has been highly controversial in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Charlie Clark, Saskatoon’s mayor, said he’d like to see the province do more engagement before pushing ahead.

“I agree with many who have asked the Provincial Government to withdraw this legislation and take the time to engage more deeply,” Clark wrote in a social media post on Wednesday.

The mayor noted how factious the issue has been.

“This has become a divisive and challenging issue leaving many in our city and province feeling like they are stuck with a terrible choice between the rights of parents and the rights and well-being of youth,” Clark wrote.

“It doesn’t have to be this way if there is an opportunity created to work directly with youth, families, teachers, and experts on these sensitive and complex issues.”

Clark said that last week, he participated in four round-table discussions with high school students, and concerns around the proposed legislation were “one of the main issues at every table we sat with.”

Students held a walkout on Tuesday to protest the proposed legislation, and a Saskatchewan human rights commissioner resigned this week, citing the proposed legislation as the reason.

The mayor said he’s heard compelling stories from students who shared concerns about themselves and their classmates, particularly around safety and mental health.

“Hearing from these students who live in my city was powerful and concerning,” Clark said. “The safety and well-being of youth must be paramount in any policy or legislation being considered and requires more time and attention.”

Clark also noted that his statement came on International Pronouns Day, which he called “very relevant” to Saskatchewan.