A recent report from Statistics Canada reveals a decline in acceptance of gender diversity in Canada. In 2025, survey results showed 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 decrease from 2018, when 85% of women and 78% of men held similar views.
The province with the lowest acceptance of gender diversity was found to be Saskatchewan, where only 69% of women and 60% of men agreed with the statement. Specifically, women in Saskatchewan saw a significant drop of 14 percentage points from 2018.
Legislation targeting trans and gender diverse youth, such as Saskatchewan’s Parents’ Bill of Rights enacted in 2023, may have contributed to the declining acceptance. Wayne Bernakevitch, founder of the Regina Civic Awareness Action Network, suggested that confusion and fear could be influencing people’s attitudes.
Political leaders were also identified as influential in shaping attitudes towards gender diversity. Leah Hamilton, a professor at Mount Royal University, highlighted how politicians can create scapegoats during times of economic competition, potentially exacerbating negative perceptions towards marginalized groups.
The survey conducted between October 2024 and July 2025 coincided with the American election, which may have influenced attitudes in Canada. Jack Saddleback emphasized the impact of external events on public sentiment.
The politicization of trans and gender diverse individuals in recent provincial elections in Saskatchewan was cited as a factor in the decreased support. j wallace skelton, an associate professor at the University of Regina, noted that harmful rhetoric and conversations could contribute to the shift in attitudes.
Despite the changing landscape, there is still support for gender diverse individuals in Saskatchewan. skelton emphasized the importance of pushing back against hate and fostering inclusivity in communities to counter negative trends.
In conclusion, efforts to support and recognize the presence of trans and gender diverse individuals within communities are essential to combatting discrimination and fostering acceptance.