Canadian school accused of gender transitioning 8-year-old without father's consent—local leader calls it 'misinformation'

British Columbia’s legislature saw a tense exchange Thursday after OneBC Interim Leader Dallas Brodie accused the NDP government of permitting schools to transition children without parental knowledge or consent.

Brodie, who represents Vancouver–Quilchena, told the assembly she had spoken with a father whose eight-year-old son was encouraged at school to believe he was actually a girl. She alleged that teachers used a different name and pronouns for the child without informing his parents and that “a psychologist is already discussing puberty blockers, despite having never met the child.”

"I spoke to a father who is here today, who is fighting to protect his 8-year-old son. His boy was encouraged at school to believe he was actually a girl. Teachers used a new name and pronouns and kept it secret. Now, a psychologist is already discussing puberty blockers, despite having never met the child. 

"My question through you, Mr. Speaker, to the premier: what do you have to say to parents who are justifiably enraged by the reality that, under your direction, schools are transitioning children behind their backs?" asked Brodie.

Addressing her question to Premier David Eby, Brodie asked: “What do you have to say to parents who are justifiably enraged by the reality that, under your direction, schools are transitioning children behind their backs?” Responding on behalf of the government, BC Deputy Premier and Attorney General Niki Sharma rejected the claim and claimed Brodie was spreading misinformation.

“Spreading disproven conspiracy theories to spread fear and misinformation that targets vulnerable kids—when those decisions should be made by their parents with the love and support they provide them and the doctors,” Sharma said. “We really disagree with this type of politics. We’re sorry to all those families out there that are going through this, and the kids out there that are hearing this—I’m sorry.”

The exchange comes amid continued debate over the province’s SOGI 123 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) education framework. Introduced in 2016 by the BC government, SOGI 123 requires all school districts to implement policies and teaching materials aimed at preventing discrimination and promoting inclusion for lgbt students.

Supporters say the program helps gay and LGBT students and creates safer schools. Critics argue it goes beyond anti-bullying education by promoting gender ideology and allowing schools to conceal social transitions from parents against parents' wishes.