Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has criticized the Edmonton Public School Board for its list of over 200 banned books. The list, obtained by CBC News, was created following a directive from the provincial government to identify and remove inappropriate books from school libraries. Titles such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Color Purple,” “The Godfather,” and “Jaws” were included on the list, along with works from authors like George R. R. Martin, Sarah J. Maas, and Maya Angelou.
Smith expressed disapproval, stating that Edmonton Public Schools seemed to be strictly following the directive. The aim, according to Smith, is to prevent graphic and sexually explicit content from reaching elementary school students. The school board confirmed the accuracy of the list and acknowledged concerns raised by the public about the library policy.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides had announced new rules for school libraries in response to parental concerns about graphic novels with mature content circulating in Edmonton and Calgary public schools. The ministerial order, signed on July 4, outlines standards for library materials, emphasizing the prohibition of explicit sexual content but allowing for exceptions in religious texts and non-explicit depictions.
Critics like Ira Wells of PEN Canada have labeled the government’s actions as literary censorship, describing it as the first major book ban in Canada. Wells emphasized the importance of age-appropriate media consumption for children but raised concerns about politicians determining reading materials. Nicolaides expressed interest in understanding the selection process of the banned books by Edmonton Public Schools and expects further clarification.
Various school boards are reviewing their library collections to comply with the ministerial order. The Opposition NDP criticized the government for prioritizing book bans over addressing potential teacher strikes.