Calls for public engagement: K-12 library books, open spaces, waste reduction

The province is seeking feedback about proposed new guidelines for books in K-12 school libraries, singling out Blankets by Craig Thompson and three award-winning books with 2SLGBTQ+ content — Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, and Flamer by Mike Curato.

Calls for public engagement: K-12 library books, open spaces, waste reduction

· The Pulse
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Here are opportunities to inform government decisions about books in school libraries, open spaces, waste reduction, and more. Please only answer surveys from the municipality where you live.

  • School Library Standards — The Government of Alberta is gathering input on potential guidelines to ensure only "age appropriate" books are available in K-12 school libraries. This follows complaints raised about sexual content in four particular graphic novels, three of which are award-winning books focused on 2SLGBTQ+ experiences. Two are among the 10-most challenged books in the United States. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the intent isn't to ban books but to block "extreme offenders." In the United States, school libraries are "ground zero for anti-LGBTQ2S+ censorship," Xtra magazine reported, adding that the UCP government has already introduced anti-trans policies. Albertans can fill out the survey until June 6.
  • Breathe: Green Network Strategy — The City of Edmonton developing a plan to ensure neighbourhoods have access to high-quality open spaces as the population grows to two million. The Breath strategy, first created in 2017, is being worked into an Open Space Management Plan that will guide investments in open spaces (not including the river valley and ravine system). Residents can share how they use open spaces close to home by completing a survey by June 9.
  • Waste Reduction Roadmap '30 — The City of Edmonton is developing a roadmap to reduce waste between 2026 to 2030. Residents can review proposed actions, contribute to a discussion board, or take a survey until June 11.
  • Animal Welfare Issues — The Edmonton Humane Society is seeking feedback from residents to help guide its advocacy efforts. In its 2025-2029 strategic plan, the society places greater emphasis on prevention, education, and addressing root causes of animals ending up in shelters. Residents can share what animal welfare issues matter most to them by completing a survey by June 15.

More input opportunities