Alberta's United Conservative Party government has introduced Bill 9, deploying the notwithstanding clause to shield three controversial bills from legal challenges, according to researchers studying the legislation's impacts.
What Bill 9 Protects
Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Premier Danielle Smith outlined Bill 9 on November 17, 2025. The legislation uses the constitutional override clause to prevent courts from reviewing Bills 26, 27, and 29. These bills collectively ban gender-affirming medical care for minors, restrict inclusive education policies, and exclude transgender girls and women from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity.
While government officials claim the measures protect children's rights and parental authority, Mount Royal University researchers present starkly different findings from their ongoing study.
Parents Speak Out About Harmful Impacts
Two academic researchers from Mount Royal University who are examining the effects of Alberta's anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation report alarming consequences. Since September 2024, they have been conducting bi-monthly focus groups with parents and caregivers of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Parents feel powerless to protect their children from government legislation, contrary to claims about protecting parental rights. Their ability to affirm and support their children's identities has become increasingly difficult under the current political climate.
Mental Health Crisis Emerging
The research reveals a deteriorating social environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families. Schools show less visible support due to what participants describe as a "chilling effect," leading to increased student absenteeism and academic struggles.
One parent shared heartbreaking testimony: "She has started self-harming. She is missing school. She is terrified for what's coming next."
Youth mental health has declined significantly, with some parents reporting suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among their children. Another parent revealed: "We had to promise her that if she did [die by suicide] that she would have a pink tombstone so that everyone would always know she was a girl."
Increased Harassment and Safety Concerns
Since the government introduced these measures, researchers document rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, harassment, bullying, and exclusion. Many youth who were previously "out and proud" are now returning "into the closet" for safety reasons.
Parents attempting to advocate for their children face additional risks. When contacting MLAs, schools, or sports teams, they potentially "out" their children to individuals who may not be safe allies.
Parents themselves face harassment for affirming their children's identities, including being labeled "groomers" and "child abusers" for following medical expertise regarding gender-affirming care. The loss of access to puberty blockers creates particular terror among families, as parents fear the permanent physical changes of puberty will trigger gender dysphoria and safety risks for their transgender children.
The research concludes that rather than protecting rights, Alberta's legislative approach is causing demonstrable harm to vulnerable youth and their families.
