A recent report from Statistics Canada reveals a decrease in acceptance of gender diversity in Canada. The survey conducted in 2025 shows that 77% of women and 70% of men agreed that individuals should have the freedom to express their gender as they wish. This marks a decline from 2018, where 85% of women and 78% of men shared this sentiment.
Saskatchewan stands out as the province with the lowest acceptance of gender diversity, with only 69% of women and 60% of men agreeing with the notion. Women in Saskatchewan, in particular, saw a significant drop of 14 percentage points from 2018.
Legislation targeting transgender and gender diverse youth, such as Saskatchewan’s Parents’ Bill of Rights enacted in 2023, may have influenced these shifting attitudes. Wayne Bernakevitch, founder of the Regina Civic Awareness Action Network, attributes the decreased acceptance to confusion and fear among the populace.
Political leaders play a pivotal role in shaping public attitudes, according to Leah Hamilton, a professor at Mount Royal University. She highlights how politicians often use marginalized communities as scapegoats during times of economic uncertainty, influencing societal views on gender diversity.
The survey, conducted between October 2024 and July 2025, coincided with the American election, potentially exposing Canadians to divisive rhetoric. The politicization of transgender and gender diverse individuals in Saskatchewan’s recent provincial election could also have contributed to the decline in support.
Despite these challenges, advocates like j wallace skelton emphasize the importance of supporting gender diverse individuals within communities. They believe that standing against hate and promoting inclusivity can help reverse the negative trend in attitudes towards gender diversity in Canada.