Poilievre responds to Trudeau’s remarks on N.B. LGBTQ school policy

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should “butt out” of decisions made by provinces and parents.

Mr. Poilievre made the remark in Moncton, N.B., after being asked about his view on New Brunswick’s policy to protect LGBTQ students in schools.

Questions around changes to the policy have caused political turmoil in the province, including the resignation of a pair of cabinet ministers, questions about the leadership of Progressive Conservative Premier Blaine Higgs, and a cabinet shuffle on Tuesday while Mr. Poilievre was in the province.

“This is a provincial policy. I know that Justin Trudeau has butted into that. The Prime Minister has no business in decisions that should rest with provinces and parents,” Mr. Poilievre said when asked if he stood with Mr. Higgs on the policy.

“So my message to Justin Trudeau is ‘butt out’ and let provinces run schools and let parents raise kids.”

Under a policy change, teachers will no longer be obligated to use the preferred pronouns or names of transgender or non-binary students under age 16.

Mr. Trudeau has criticized that change. At an event earlier this month, Mr. Trudeau said, “Trans kids in New Brunswick are being told they don’t have the right to be their true selves, that they need to ask permission. Trans kids need to feel safe, not targeted by politicians. We need to stand against this.”

The measure has led to a revolt among Progressive Conservatives with two cabinet ministers resigning over the issue was well as concerns about Premier Higgs’ leadership style. On Tuesday, Mr. Higgs announced a sweeping cabinet shuffle. Story here.

With a file from The Canadian Press.

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