A recent report by Statistics Canada reveals a declining acceptance of gender diversity in Canada. Survey results from 2025 show that 77% of women and 70% of men agreed that individuals should have the freedom to express their gender as they choose, marking a decrease from 2018 figures of 85% for women and 78% for men.
Saskatchewan emerged as the province with the lowest acceptance of gender diversity, with 69% of women and 60% of men in agreement. Specifically, women in Saskatchewan saw a 14-percentage point decrease from 2018 when 83% supported the freedom of gender expression.
Legislation introduced in Saskatchewan and Alberta since 2018, including Saskatchewan’s Parents’ Bill of Rights enacted in 2023, has targeted trans and gender diverse youth, potentially contributing to the shift in attitudes. Wayne Bernakevitch, founder of the Regina Civic Awareness Action Network, suggested that confusion and fear might be influencing the declining acceptance of gender diversity.
According to Leah Hamilton, a professor at Mount Royal University, politicians play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes towards marginalized communities, especially during times of resource competition. Corinne Mason, another professor at the university, highlighted the tendency of conservative politicians to scapegoat marginalized groups during economic instability.
The survey conducted by Statistics Canada between October 2024 and July 2025 coincided with the American election, which featured divisive rhetoric. Jack Saddleback, a political commentator, noted the potential influence of the U.S. election on Canadian attitudes towards gender diversity.
The politicization of trans and gender diverse issues in the recent Saskatchewan provincial election may have further impacted public support. j wallace skelton, an associate professor at the University of Regina, emphasized the harmful discourse surrounding gender diversity during the election campaign.
Despite the evolving attitudes, skelton emphasized the importance of supporting gender diverse individuals within communities and combating hate. They stressed the need for inclusivity and recognition of gender diverse individuals within society.