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Information for Families: Legislative Changes

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In our commitment to transparency with our learning community we are sharing with you a summary of key legislative changes that take effect this school year. This information is important to you, our partners in education, as it impacts how we collect student data, the information we are required to collect, and notes action required from parents and guardians.  We also include resources and links to associated documents to assist in your understanding of these changes and where to direct questions. 

1. Repeal of FOIP and Introduction of ATIA & POPA
    Ministry of Technology and Innovation

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was repealed on June 11, 2025, and replaced with two separate pieces of legislation. 

    • The Access to Information Act (ATIA) seeks to balance public access to information with the need to protect confidential details essential for government and public body operations. 
    • The Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) governs how public bodies collect, use, and disclose personal information, and mandates safeguards for such data. It also permits limited use and disclosure of non-personal data.

 

2. Education Act Amendments (Effective September 1, 2025)
    Ministry of Education and Childcare
    The Education Act, effective September 1, 2025, will be amended to reflect: 

Quoted from https://www.alberta.ca/supporting-alberta-students-and-families 

    • “parental notification and consent for gender identity-related preferred names and pronouns
    • minister approval of learning and teaching resources that deal primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality, unless such resources are being used to provide religious instruction
    • minister approval of external parties presenting learning and teaching resources dealing primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality, whether in the context of religious instruction or otherwise
    • parental notification and opt-in for subject matter dealing primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality”

3. Fairness and Safety in Sport Act (Effective September 1, 2025)
    Ministry of Tourism and Sport

Quoted from the Fairness and safety in sport fact sheet https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/ts-fairness-and-safety-in-sport-fact-sheet.pdf

    • “Every athlete that registers to play in a female-only league, class or division, or their parent or guardian if the athlete is a minor under 18 years of age will be required to confirm in writing at the time of registration that they understand and that the athlete meets all the eligibility requirements to compete set out in the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act and Fairness and Safety in Sport Regulation. Boards of in-scope entities should have this requirement built into their registration process.”
    • The legislation applies only to female athletes ages 12 years and older must meet eligibility criteria stipulated above. 
    • The legislation applies to female-only leagues, classes, or divisions. This legislation does not apply to recreational sport, such as intramural activities or physical education classes.
    • The required confirmation will be sent to families through a confidential and secure method. 

 

Actions for parents and guardians

A significant part of the above regulations are addressed at the start of the school year through the student data collection process. When completing your child’s verification form and other applicable documentation, please note: 

  • The collection and disclosure of student data (ATIA and POPA)
  • Authorization for the division to interview/photograph student for public use (POPA)
  • Authorization for a third-party media to interview/photograph student for public use (POPA)
  • Authorization to share student artwork or coursework in public (hallways, galleries) (POPA)
  • Confirm in writing at the time of student registration that they understand the Fairness in Sport Regulation and that the athlete meets all the eligibility requirements (Fairness and Safety in Sport Act) This confirmation will be issued and collected in a secure and confidential manner in the coming weeks.
  • Opt-in to Alberta Education Sexual Health Curriculum (Education Act)

 

We understand that the above changes may bring questions. Please know that the wellness and well-being of all learners is paramount, and as a school division, we work alongside our partners in education to support each student. Foothills School Division has addressed the above changes in Administrative Procedures, and have the listed below for your reference. 

For questions or concerns regarding the above legislations, please contact the appropriate ministry: Ministry of Education and Childcare, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, or the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. 

For questions or concerns regarding the administrative procedures in place by Foothills School Division, please follow our Concerns Resolution process (link).

 

Resources

Alberta.ca Education Act (2024) Parent Guide – English
Alberta.ca Ensuring Fairness and safety in sport
Alberta.ca Protection of Privacy Act
Alberta.ca Access to Information Act
 

Relevant FSD Administrative Procedures:

 

Relevant FSD Board Policies



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