REGINA - It is expected that the special sitting of the Legislature will wrap up today with passage of Bill 137 - the Education (Parents Bill of Rights) Amendment Act 2023.
The bill is a series of amendments to include 15 rights for parents in relation to education, includes the controversial provision requiring parental consent for gender based name changes for students under 16.
The Committee of the Whole on Bills met Thursday to consider the bill and it sailed through committee thanks to the Sask Party majority, with two NDP proposed amendments being defeated. One amendment was for a parental engagement strategy and the other was a "do no harm" amendment aimed at protecting vulnerable kids. The Sask Party majority defeated both amendments.
Third reading is now under way in the Assembly and final debate is under way. Opposition Leader Carla Beck wrapped up her remarks this morning against the bill, and the legislature has since heard from Regina University MLA Aleana Young and Weyburn - Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan. Currently speaking is Regina Douglas Park MLA Nicole Sarauer.
It is expected the third reading debate will take up to a maximum of two hours before final voting takes place.
After today's proceedings, the Special Sitting and by extension the current legislative session will come to an end, and the Legislature will be off for a few days before returning next Wednesday, Oct. 25 for the Speech from the Throne and the start of the new legislative session.
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