"Today marks the beginning of Alberta’s Consent Awareness Week. This initiative, made possible through the Special Days Act, aims to spotlight the persistent issue of sexual- and gender-based violence that continues to affect communities across our province.

“Consent Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness and understanding about respectful and consensual interactions and create an environment and culture where everyone’s boundaries are respected.

“As students return to school for the fall semester, it is our priority to ensure everyone feels safe on Alberta’s campuses. That's why we’ve made addressing sexual violence on campuses an integral part of the province’s cross-government efforts to end gender-based violence.

“We will continue to work alongside students and educational institutions to strengthen sexual violence prevention strategies on our campuses.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

“As we recognize Consent Awareness Week in Alberta, we acknowledge that consent for any sexual activity is an ongoing conversation between partners; it is respect for a person’s well-being and cannot be assumed.

“To help support a culture of consent within the province, Alberta’s government is working to create a 10-year action plan to end gender-based violence. This made in Alberta action plan is being created alongside survivors and community leaders to ensure the action plan is survivor centric.

“This week and beyond, I encourage all Albertans to talk about consent. Communication about the importance of consent and respect for others goes a long way in preventing sexual violence.

“By working together and by individuals standing up for what is right, we can create a safer future for all Albertans.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

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