The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) calls once again for immediate policy change in Alberta to reverse the prejudicial directive targeting published work for removal from school libraries.
Since the provincial policy (Ministerial Order M.O. 034/2025 - Education and Childcare) took effect in early January, media reports indicate dozens of targeted books have been removed from libraries across the province — 44 books in Calgary alone, and 34 books at the Edmonton School Board. What’s more, officials note their removals list is a “working document” meaning that more books could be excised at any time. Since the titles of the removed books have not been shared, any damaging policy implications are essentially hidden from view.
“This is the definition of quiet censorship,” said Union Chair Kim Fahner. “Are we just supposed to take the government’s word for it that they’re not discriminating against certain authors or subjects?”
As TWUC noted very early on in this process, the Alberta initiative is censorious by nature, focussing as it does on specific topics and characters. A publicized emphasis on illustrated or graphic literature rather than some of the text-only classics originally targeted does not make this policy less of an attack on the freedom to read. Selective bans are still censorship.
“When Alberta’s government was consulting on this policy, the books singled out often featured LGBTQI2S themes, characters, and acceptance,” noted TWUC CEO John Degen. “That makes it seem ideologically motivated and intolerant by design. Couching censorship in ‘parents’ rights’ does nothing to soften it.”
A wave of so-called “parents’ rights” challenges to books in the United States has fueled a rise in book-challenges and the targeting of titles with LGBTQI2S characters and themes, with notable Canadian books in the mix. A recent report from PEN America notes that book bans there are “common and rampant,” with close to 700 books subject to bans or ban attempts in the 2024-25 school year.
“This is hardly the time for Canada to be emulating U.S. policy,” remarked Fahner. “These book bans are an attack on authors, teachers, and students. Our governments should focus on funding education properly. They should leave book curation and educational choices to the professionals.”
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The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers. With almost 3,000 members, TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. TWUC believes in a thriving, diverse Canadian culture that values and supports writers.
For additional information:
John Degen, Chief Executive Officer
The Writers’ Union of Canada
jdegen@writersunion.ca
DATE: February 2, 2026
