When it comes to books, Canada is no stranger to controversy. Behind the quiet shelves of libraries lies a growing struggle over what belongs—and what doesn’t.
In 2024 alone, over 119 books faced formal complaints in Canada, many of them echoing challenges seen across the United States. These titles often centred on themes of sexuality, 2SLGBTQ representation, or racial justice—topics that some view as vital for fostering inclusion, and others deem “age-inappropriate” or “explicit content.” While censorship is not new, the forces behind these challenges have shifted in startling ways.
Recent data reveals that in the United States, 72% of book challenges originated not from concerned parents but from organized advocacy groups with clear political motivations. Similar patterns are emerging in Canada, indicating a shift in how—and why—books are being challenged. Groups like Moms for Liberty have gained traction internationally, fuelling debates not just about content, but about who gets to decide what stories should be told.
Libraries in Ontario, British Columbia, and beyond have become battlegrounds. Consider titles like George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue or Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, which have been challenged multiple times in different provinces. Yet, despite the noise, Canadian libraries have shown resilience. According to the Centre for Free Expression’s database, most libraries chose to retain books after careful review. Still, the tension remains palpable.
Part of what makes this debate uniquely Canadian is the balance between local autonomy and national values. Libraries often serve as community hubs, reflecting local needs and opinions. Yet they are also tasked with upholding the principles of intellectual freedom enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Striking this balance has proven challenging, especially as societal divisions grow sharper.
Interestingly, the rise in challenges coincides with an increase in library loans of 2SLGBTQ-themed titles, indicating a growing appetite for these stories despite—or perhaps because of—their controversial nature. This paradox underscores a fundamental truth: attempts to suppress ideas often have the unintended effect of amplifying them. For every book pulled into the spotlight through a challenge, countless readers are drawn to its pages out of sheer curiosity.
At its core, this issue is about more than books. It’s about who we are as a society and how we navigate the tensions between inclusion and tradition, freedom and control. Every challenge is a reminder that libraries are more than repositories of knowledge; they are arenas where values are contested, and cultural futures are shaped.
As Canada grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the stories we choose to preserve—and those we seek to silence—say as much about us as the words within them.
References:
The 10 most-challenged books in U.S. libraries have faced complaints in Canada, too
