A Winnipeg elementary school has eliminated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts from its classrooms, replacing them with generic “family gifts” — the latest in a growing pattern of Canadian schools erasing traditional parental celebrations in deference to gender ideology.
Sage Creek School’s Grade 1 and 2 teachers notified parents of the change before Mother’s Day, stating it was made “to respect the diversity of families that are represented in our classroom and community.” Principal Jason Dubeau said the school chose instead to focus on “International Day of Families” on May 15. He added that families are welcome to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day “outside the school.”
Parents pushed back immediately. Mother Ashley Dolphin asked: “Where is the line? What is next? At what point are you being more exclusive than inclusive?” Another mother said: “It’s just nice for the school to teach about how to appreciate someone and how to show gratitude.”
Former Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri called the move “shaming the nuclear family,” telling the National Post: “There’s nothing inclusive about it at all. It’s removing one person’s rights for another person’s, instead of just adding to the conversation.” Former Winnipeg city councillor Kevin Klein added: “Schools should focus on education, structure, discipline, and preparing students for adult life, not on rebranding family traditions to satisfy ideological trends.”
Sage Creek is not alone. South Kelowna Elementary removed Mother’s Day and Father’s Day from its calendar. A Quebec school replaced them in 2023. A Mission, BC school cancelled gift-giving in 2017. A Toronto school removed a sign celebrating mothers in 2023 for being “exclusionary.” In nearly every case, parents objected. In nearly every case, the schools proceeded anyway.