LGBTQ2S+ Policies In Schools Subject of Protests and Counter-Protests In

Edmonton, Canada
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/lgbtq2s-policies-in-schools-subject-of-protests-and-counter-protests-in-edmonton-canada-1.6569493

1 Language 2 Tone 3 Perspective/Bias

The language of this article is quite factual
and is used to link the multiple quotes all
together. While the article written by CTV is
quite rigid in its language use, we see more
diversity within the language of the quotes
that the author has included. The language
used by Benita Pederson is more
emotionally leaning, and can be seen when
she states her own belief about what should
be taught in schools. The emotional
undercurrent can also be seen in Kaylee
MacIntosh’s statement when they share
their personal experience growing up as a
queer child. Both of their language is strong
and vivid.
Generally the tone of this article is
professional and straightforward.
By presenting many different
quotes from members of the
community who were in
attendance of the protests (both
protesters and counter-
protesters) the author creates a
tone that does not favour either
side. Generally the article is
assertive in its description of the
event.
This article does a good job
presenting many distinct
perspectives. We hear from the
coordinator of the
1MillionMarch4Childen movement,
members of the counter-protest,
government officials, and the
Edmonton police. All of these
perspectives are very bold in their
belief no matter if they are for or
opposed on this matter. Depending
on their social standing, some
individuals choose to not state their
perspective.

4 Consistency & Incongruence 5

Social, Legal, Political, and 6
Cultural Considerations:

Overall, the article is consistent in As this is a professional news outlet in

how they present the facts as to
what happened. It clearly states
where the protests occurred, who
was present, and the reactions
from those who attended. As this
is a professional news source, one
will believe that all facts included in
the article have been thoroughly
researched.
the city, they must be cautious as to
how they present and report this
situation without siding with a certain
group involved. By providing the
reader with many different quotes in
the article, CTV is ensuring that the
event is reported on in a way that
captures the thoughts and beliefs of
different groups of people.
Hundreds of Protesters Clash in West Edmonton Over Sex and Gender
Education
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/cross-country-rallies-against-gender-ideology-in-schools-met-with-counter-protests

1 Language 2 Tone 3 Perspective/Bias

The writing of this article paints an
extremely vivid description as to what
happened on September 20th by using
imagery as a way to recount the
protests. This article still uses clear and
professional language to share what
happened, but adds more varied
wording. The author includes more
background information about what
motivated these protests, as well as
other details about the size of the
gatherings, as well as the altercations
that emerged from the protests.
The tone of the article is one that
feels emotionally charged. It begins
with the fact that there was tension
between the two groups of people,
and the outcomes of the protests,
this gives the article a more
passionate feeling to the writing. By
including many quotes in the article
as well, the author ensures a serious
tone is consistent throughout the
article.
The perspective of the article seems to focus
more on those part of the
1MillionMarch4Children group rather than
those part of the counter protest. In this
article we are given more direct quotes from
those who believe in removing gender or
sexual ideology, than the counter-protesters
present at the protest. This does not mean
that the Edmonton Journal is siding with the
1MillionMarch4Children side, but simply that
their perspective is at the forefront of the
article.

4 Consistency & Incongruence 5

Social, Legal, Political, and 6
Cultural Considerations:

Compared to the CTV news source, The Edmonton Journal must be

this article makes reference to the
“physical altercations” that
occurred at the protests.
Compared to other articles, the
inclusion of this fact gives a
different account to what the
protests were like. The other parts
of the article match other news
sources retelling of the event.
mindful of how they present news
stories to protect themselves
politically and legally. As a company
they have to remain neutral on these
politically charged topics so that they
don’t lead people to certain
conclusions. As this is one of
Edmonton’s largest news sources,
they also have to account for the
many people that will be seeing their
articles, which forces them to present
topics in a clear and professional way.
Danielle Smith’s Twitter Post - September 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/ABDanielleSmith/status/1704517486979527071

1 Language 2 Tone 3 Perspective/Bias

The language in her press statement is
sparse and doesn’t contain anything
that contributes to excessive language.
This post is extremely direct and on
the surface does not seem to side with
either side. However it is through
Danielle Smith’s lack of certain
language that her own position on this
subject is found. She does not say
what the protest is about, who is
involved, or show support for the youth
in the province. This Twitter post feels
carefully curated, almost sanitized.
The tone of this post is very cold and
unfeeling. Her words feel hollow thus
creating a tone that does not show
support for those the protest were
targeting. By using selective words,
Danielle Smith’s post portrays a
guarded government, and a guarded
tone.
Obviously Danielle Smith’s post is written
in the perspective of a Conservative
political leader who has outwardly
targeted minority youth in the past.
Without explicitly saying it, her own
biases regarding gender and sexual
education that is taught in schools is
present in her statement. Her post also is
worded in a way to ensure that she can
match the perspective of her supporters.

4 Consistency & Incongruence 5

Social, Legal, Political, and
Cultural Considerations:

Danielle Smith’s statement is
consistent in nature, because it does
not have much content to it. She is
clearly aware of the protests, but
does not state any other facts beside
the fact that they are occurring.
Overall, the statement matches the
views of her political party and is very
straightforward.
There are many factors that shape how
Danielle Smith would have to word her
press statements. She must be cautious to
not upset her supporters by not showing
supports for the opposing side, but create
a semblance of neutrality. She must honour
her own political standings, but still speak
out because of her social standing in the
community. These factors confine her to
limit what she says.
The Chris and Kelly Show - 1MillionMarch4Children Rebroadcast and
Debrief (Podcast)
https://rumble.com/v3jy7ji-230921-alberta-prosperity-project-webinar-1millionmarch4children-rebroadcas.html
1 Language
The language used in the podcast is
quite strong, vulgar, and heightened. All
three members of the podcast use
language in a specific way to highlight
their points regarding the
1MillionMarch4Childen movement.
Words like “indoctrination”,
“brainwashing” and “the truth” are used.
At some points in the podcast they use
humour when discussing certain topics.
4 Consistency & Incongruence
The majority of the statements made
by the men on the podcast are
generalized statements that they do
not back up with any research or
proof. They make many claims about
what they have heard is happening in
the schools, but then also state that
they have not been within schools for
a long time. At another point in the
podcast they claim that all three of
them support teaching inclusivity in
schools, but then claim that children
should not have to support their
peers.
2 Tone 3 Perspective/Bias
The tone of the podcast is quite intense and All three on the podcast share a
strong. All three members on the podcast
similar perspective (one that is
speak with extreme conviction regarding the
policies they want the government to pass.
opposed to gender and sexuality
education in schools) , and they all
Because of their choice language, their tone
tend to only state their
comes across as a rally cry of outrage. The
three members on the podcast openly share perspectives instead of speaking
their beliefs and experiences which creates a about the even from both sides.
tone that is quite informal but delivered with
They rely on their bias to form their
extreme seriousness. At times they even thoughts, making them believe that
makes jokes and the tone shifts to become
very lighthearted and relaxed feeling.
what the schools are teaching is
inappropriate
5
Social, Legal, Political, and
Cultural Considerations:
One of the guests on the podcast is a
Muslim man, and openly shares about
his experiences of coming to Canada
and living here as an immigrant.
Because of this, many of his beliefs are
filtered through his religious teachings.
Another factor at play is that all three
men on the podcast are middle aged
straight men. Their perspectives are
shaped by the fact they are not part
of a gender or sexual minority group.
All three inherently share these
common factors that shape how they
see these protests.
Let’s work together toward something better - Jason Schilling ATA
President, October 10th Statement
https://teachers.ab.ca/news/lets-work-together-toward-something-better

1 Language 2 Tone 3 Perspective/Bias

The language Jason Schilling used
in his statement is powerful and
potent. He speaks passionately and
uses strong words like “hate”,
“homophobia”, “transphobia” and
“bigotry” to describe the actions of
the 1MillionMarch4Children
protesters. This statement feels
well planned, and has a strong point
of view due to his direct language.
The tone of his statement is one that
patronizes those are against sexual
and gender ideology. While he speaks
about the extreme hatred that the
protesters displayed and the effects of
this, he then shifts the tone of his
writing to be more uplifting and
optimistic by stating that people will
work together to find solutions to this
hate. Having the protest happen right
outside his offices, his tone has an
emotional edge to it.
As the president of the Alberta
Teachers Association, Schilling has a
perspective that upholds and
celebrates diverse youth and the
importance of teachers. He is very clear
in his statement about offering his
perspective on the
1MillionMarch4Children protesters and
what he believes are their motives. He
does not remain neutral or attempt to
hide his beliefs, but uses them prove his
point.

4 Consistency & Incongruence 5

Social, Legal, Political, and
Cultural Considerations:

This statement is quite consistent all
throughout, Schilling provides detailed
facts about the protests that match up
with other new sources. As this
statement was made as a reactionary
post to the September 20th protest,
Schilling is able to include information
on how his initial statement was
received on September 20th, and what
the ATA will be doing moving forward.
As the president of the ATA, Schilling has a
responsibility to be the voice for teachers
throughout the province. Since the ATA is
nonpartisan, Schilling is able to express his
thoughts and concerns more freely, thus
allowing him to make statements like this one.
While not all teachers will share the same
beliefs as him, he chooses to be vocal about
where he stands on this subject as a way to
show support for gender and sexual ideology
being taught in schools.
Ekeland, B. (2023, September 20). LGBTQ2S+ policies in schools subject of protests and counter-protests in Edmonton,
Canada. CTV Edmonton. Retrieved January 29, 2024. https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/lgbtq2s-policies-in-schools-subject-of-
protests-and-counter-protests-in-edmonton-canada-1.6569493

Johnson, L. (2023, September 20). Hundreds of protesters clash in West Edmonton over sex and gender education.
Edmonton Journal. Retrieved January 29, 2024. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/cross-country-rallies-
against-gender-ideology-in-schools-met-with-counter-protests

Smith, D. [@ABDanielleSmith]. (2023, September 20). The Goverment of Alberta is aware of large planned protests and
counter-protests happening across Canada today regarding issues that. [Tweet]. Retrived January 29, 2024.
https://twitter.com/ABDanielleSmith/status/1704517486979527071

Lambert, K (Host). Scott, C (Host). Mourra, Mahmoud (Guest). (2023, September 20). Alberta prosperity project webinar:
1millionmarch4children rebroadcast and debrief. [Video Podcast]. The Chris and Kerry Show. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
https://rumble.com/v3jy7ji-230921-alberta-prosperity-project-webinar-1millionmarch4children-rebroadcas.html

Schilling, J. (2023, October 10). Let’s work together toward something better. Alberta Teachers’ Association. Retreived
January 29, 2024. https://teachers.ab.ca/news/lets-work-together-toward-something-better