With the controversial Bill 44 to be proclaimed in October, Education Minister Dave Hancock has put in a request to delay full implementation for one calendar year.
Bill 44 will allow parents to pull their children out of classes when lessons on sex, religion or sexual orientation are taught.
Kathy Telfer, Alberta Education spokeswoman, said the requested delay involves how parents are notified and discussions around human sexuality and religion.
“There is not a consistent approach to dealing with them,” she said.
A common standard and approach is needed throughout the province, a task all parties involved simply can’t achieve before October, Telfer added.
Carol Henderson, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, said her group feels Bill 44 is unnecessary and would rather see it not proclaimed at all. But since it has already passed, the association welcomes the delay.
Henderson said the new rule is redundant, as teachers already warn parents if sensitive issues are contained in their lesson plans.
She added the delay will give school boards time to work out how implementation will be structured.
