No Space for Hate protester Alexandra Lister-Paramor says she attended the counter rally in downtown Saskatoon Wednesday to support trans children, and sexual education rights.

She says she didn’t go to change minds but to cancel hate.

“Their very gender policy harms children, harms charter rights, affects inclusive spaces and overall, I don’t think that’s what Canada stands for.”

Saskatchewan’s Premier has said his government is considering using the notwithstanding clause to maintain the policy change recently announced requiring parental permission for transgender students under the age of 16 to use different names or pronouns at school. A court challenge has been brought against the new education policy.

Today featured the group 1 million march 4 children which is in support of the Moe government’s pronoun in schools policy while the other group, No Space for Hate, was there as a counter protest.

Nadine Ness is a Saskatoon supporter for the 1 million March 4 children and says the rally in Saskatchewan Wednesday is a little different than elsewhere in the country because its motivation is centered more on showing support for provincial changes around children’s education. 

“I think a lot of parents rallied together.  They want to have the ultimate authority over their child’s education like it used to be.  I think this march is just to send that strong message they want to take that role back and they’re supporting the new changes from the provincial government.”

There were also rallies held in Regina, Swift Current, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Estevan.

In response to the rally in Regina, the City of Regina offered the following statement:

The City of Regina values diversity as a cornerstone of building and improving a healthier, more inclusive and vibrant community. As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the City of Regina is proud to be an ally of individuals of all genders, including those who identify as non-binary, and of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.