A recent report by Statistics Canada reveals a declining trend in Canada’s acceptance of gender diversity. In 2025, 77% of women and 70% of men surveyed expressed agreement or strong agreement with the freedom for individuals to express their gender as they choose. This percentage represents a decrease from 2018, when 85% of women and 78% of men held similar views.
Saskatchewan stands out as the province with the lowest acceptance of gender diversity in the country, with 69% of women and 60% of men agreeing with gender expression freedom in the latest survey. Particularly noteworthy is the 14-percentage-point drop among women in Saskatchewan compared to 2018.
Legislative actions in Saskatchewan and Alberta since 2018, such as the implementation of Saskatchewan’s Parents’ Bill of Rights in 2023, have targeted trans and gender diverse youth. Wayne Bernakevitch, the founder of the Regina Civic Awareness Action Network, suggested that confusion and fear may be contributing to the diminishing acceptance of gender diversity.
Leah Hamilton, a professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the role of politicians in shaping societal attitudes, pointing out how they sometimes use marginalized communities as scapegoats during periods of resource competition. Corinne Mason, another professor at the same university, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the tendency of conservative politicians to shift responsibility onto marginalized groups.
The survey, conducted between October 2024 and July 2025, coincided with the American election, which could have influenced Canadian attitudes. Jack Saddleback, a political commentator, stressed the impact of the timing of the survey, noting the context of hate and disinformation surrounding the American election.
According to Saddleback, the influence of the U.S. election on Canadian attitudes, combined with the politicization of trans and gender diverse individuals in recent Saskatchewan elections, may have contributed to the decline in support for gender diversity. J. Wallace Skelton, an associate professor at the University of Regina, highlighted the harmful rhetoric and conversations during those elections.
Despite the challenges, Skelton emphasized that there is still support for gender diverse individuals in the province. Pushing back against hate and advocating for inclusivity could help reverse the current negative trend in attitudes towards gender diversity. Skelton emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting the presence of trans and gender diverse individuals in communities, stressing their belonging and need for care and recognition.