RCAAN February 2026 Update
Greetings RCAAN!
Happy February! The first half of this month has been amazing in terms of Saskatchewan weather. However, it looks like the last part of the month will be more “typical”!
As always, there are many things happening at the various levels of civic government. Here are some items of which we want you to be aware and to act upon as is appropriate for you:
White Privilege:
It has recently come to our attention that within the Provincial Curriculum for Grade 6 Social Studies, there is a section on instructing students on white privilege. The specific reference to this instructional direction can be found in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum, page 30 of 38 under “Indicators”, item c. and d. are the items of interest. These items read as follows:
"Investigate the concept of white privilege and assess the degree to which it exists in Canada and a selection of countries bordering on the Atlantic Ocean.”
"Identify the personal and societal impact of white privilege on individuals and groups within Canada and a selection of countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.”
Having this topic included in the Social Studies Curriculum of any Grade is very objectionable, especially including it as a topic for discussion for 11- or 12-year-olds.
It is important to note that teachers are given the freedom to meet curriculum requirements using whatever teaching materials they see fit, omitting sections or adding to it. However, an example of how these curriculum requirements were met by one teacher was to use course material called "Roots in Racism". In this specific situation the teacher told the students they were all guilty of white privilege as were the people who lived in the local community, and if more people of colour should ever move there, racism would run rampant. Having a teacher use their authority to shame children of their "white privilege" and tell them they are racists-in-waiting is unacceptable.
ACTION:
Send a letter to the Minister of Education addressing your concerns about what is contained in the curriculum of our schools.
Contact your MLA
Contact your local school principal
Bill C-218:
Here is a recent communication from MP Tamara Jansen on the status of this Bill:
Dear Constituent:
Kiano Vafaeian was 26 years old. He had four sisters. He had people who loved him. He had a whole life ahead of him. And yet, on December 30th, Kiano died through Canada’s MAiD system — not because he was terminally ill, not because he was dying, but because he was struggling with his mental health.
That should shake every Canadian.
Dr. Ellen Wiebe approved his MAiD request in Vancouver after other doctors would not. Dr. Wiebe is one of Canada’s most prominent MAiD providers and has been linked to other high-profile, contested cases, some of which have prompted calls for investigation.
No matter where you stand politically, there is something deeply wrong with a country that allows a young person in psychological distress to be approved for an assisted death when recovery is possible.
And here’s the hard truth:
If Parliament does not pass Bill C-218, stories like Kiano’s won’t be rare. They will become normal. Bill C-218 would amend the Criminal Code to make one simple safeguard unmistakable: A mental disorder cannot, by itself, qualify someone for MAiD.
It’s a clear boundary that protects vulnerable Canadians like Kiano from being fast-tracked to an irreversible decision in a moment of despair.
A crucial vote is coming up
The second hour of debate and crucial first vote on Bill C-218 is approaching quickly. A majority of MPs will need to vote in favour of the Bill for it to move forward.
Thank you for standing with me and for continuing to advocate for Bill C-218. I will keep you updated as the vote approaches.
With sincere gratitude,
M.P. Tamara Jansen
Member of Parliament
Cloverdale—Langley City
Action:
Contact your local MP: Share the story of Kiano Vafaeian with your local MP and ask them to support Bill C-218.
Share Kiano’s story: Forward this letter to a few friends or family members and ask them to contact their MP as well.
watch MP Jansen’s full speech on Bill C-218:
Watch on Facebook
Land Recognition:
Often when we attend functions where a group of people are gathered, the speaker begins with a land recognition that reflects the findings of the “Truth and Reconciliation Report.” Recently, at the Freedom Summit, the Honorable Stockwell Day shared a land acknowledgment he has used. Here is a rough transcript of his statement:
“Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the land on which we gather.
Ultimately, this land belongs to God.
We are stewards of what He has entrusted to us — those who were here before us, those who are here now, and those who will come after us.
May we care for it wisely and responsibly.”
Action:
Consider what it means to participate in a land acknowledgement that is based on premises to which you may not agree.
Bill C-260: Care Not Coercion
Recently MP Garnett Genuis tabled private members bill, Bill C-260, the Care Not Coercion Act (or, officially, the Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act).
Bill C-260 has the very specific goal of preventing bureaucrats and people in positions of trust or authority (excluding doctors and nurses) from offering MAID to people who are not asking for it.
We have heard horror stories, both in the news and in parliamentary committee, of people who have had euthanasia pushed on them while seeking unrelated government services. This is having an especially negative impact on the experience of vulnerable groups — veterans, elderly people, and people in the disabilities community — who are seeking government support.
MP Genius’ office has put together a website, CareNotCoercion.ca, that pulls together related news stories, parliamentary testimonies, and resources related to the bill. You will also find the videos of the bill being tabled and the press conference afterward.
Action:
Contact your MP to ask them to support this bill
Share this website with people in your network and ask them to do the same.
Resources:
Book: Don’t Be Canada – How One Country Did Everything Wrong All At Once – Tristin Hopper
Mark Your Calendar: (Check our website www.RCAAN.ca for details)
Regular meeting dates:
March 26
May 20
Annual RCAAN Gala
April 30
Have a blessed day!
Al Fedorak
For RCAAN Leadership