PC minister says not enough LGBTQ consultation on school policy

 A senior cabinet minister in the Blaine Higgs government says the province has not consulted enough with gay, lesbian, trans and other marginalized New Brunswickers on a major policy review.

Arlene Dunn says while she can defend the fact the review is happening, she's concerned that members of the LGBTQ community are not being heard inside the Progressive Conservative government on Policy 713.

"It doesn't appear to me that there's been enough consultation done, and I would say that's within the community, the marginalized community itself, as well as parents, as well as educators," she told CBC News and Radio-Canada in an interview.

"I don't feel confident standing here saying that there's been enough consultation done. I don't think that there has been, and I think it's important to make sure all those voices are heard before we make decisions." 

Policy 713 sets out minimum requirements for schools to create a safe, inclusive space for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Among other things, it allows students under 16 to adopt a new name and pronouns in the classroom without the school notifying their parents.

Premier Blaine Higgs says that's one element of the policy being reviewed and has made plain his dislike for the provision.

"Parents still want to take control and have responsibility for their kids, not the state and not the province," he said in Question Period on Thursday.

Parents "need to be part of their [children's] education to understand what they're learning, when they're learning it and how they're learning it."

Dunn, whose riding saw students from three Saint John high schools rally in support of Policy 713 on Monday, said she'll work from the inside to ensure the LGBTQ community is consulted.

"I'm advocating for it strongly and I'll continue to do that. It's very important to me," she said.

Gail Costello, co-chair of the group Pride in Education that worked on the drafting of the policy, said Thursday the organization has had no contact from the government so far about taking part in the review.

"It tells me there's not going to be much consultation with Pride in Education or the LGBTQ community at large," said Green Leader David Coon.

"The premier seems to have a one-track mind on this and he's going to pursue that come hell or high water."