FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2026
NATIONAL – The National Citizens Inquiry (NCI) notes the British Columbia Government’s decision to discontinue provincial operating funding for ARC Foundation, the organization that developed and promotes SOGI 123 educational resources.
The NCI welcomes the opportunity this decision creates for renewed public examination of educational policies and resources affecting children and families.
From October 17 to 19, 2024, the National Citizens Inquiry held three days of Are Children Safe in Canada? hearings in Vancouver, British Columbia.
During the hearings, independent Commissioners received sworn testimony from parents, educators, physicians, researchers and other witnesses concerning the implementation of SOGI- related policies and educational resources in British Columbia schools.
Witnesses raised concerns regarding parental involvement, transparency in educational policy and classroom materials, the age appropriateness of educational resources and the wellbeing of children.
Following their examination of the evidence presented, the Commissioners wrote:
“Schools must prioritize age-appropriate content, foster academic freedom through diverse perspectives, and strengthen collaboration with parents.”
The Commissioners recommended active consultation with parents on curriculum changes involving sensitive or ideological content, the development of age-appropriate content guidelines, regular reviews of educational materials, periodic curriculum audits and greater transparency in educational decision-making.
The recent funding decision creates an opportunity for the Government of British Columbia to explain the basis for the change and to undertake a broader evidence-based review of educational policies and resources affecting children and families.
The National Citizens Inquiry believes public policy is strengthened when decisions affecting children are transparent, evidence-informed and open to meaningful parental and public participation.
The testimony, findings and recommendations from the Vancouver hearings form part of the NCI’s permanent public record. Canadians are encouraged to examine the evidence and Commissioners’ Report directly.
RELATED INFORMATION
NCI Commissioners’ Report from the Vancouver hearings:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-vancouver-report/
Vancouver witness testimony, transcripts, exhibits and summaries:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/vancouver-testimony24/
British Columbia information concerning SOGI in schools:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-in-schools
Information about SOGI 123 and ARC Foundation:
https://www.sogieducation.org/
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CITIZENS INQUIRY
The National Citizens Inquiry is a Canada-wide, citizen-led and citizen-funded initiative, independent of government and political influence.
Through questioning led by lawyers, individual Canadians and experts present evidence under oath before independent Commissioners. Testimony is preserved as part of a permanent public record, and Commissioners subsequently issue findings and recommendations based upon the
evidence received.
The NCI Commissioners’ Reports can be accessed at:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/commissioners-report/
Website:
https://nationalcitizensinquiry.ca/
For media inquiries:
[email protected]
