Jane Agosta, who took part in one such protest, told CBC News that she came out in support of her child, who she said is currently transitioning. Ms Agosta said she wanted to speak out against the inflammatory messaging of the provincial government.

In response, counter-protests were also organised, with groups meeting at places like Queen’s Park, where thousands gathered.

“I was a teacher and I am openly queer,” one of the protesters from the group, Kit Etcheverry, told Global News. “I grew up in a household where I wasn’t able to be myself until my 30s and it is really important that all children know that there are people that love them and support them.”

Benita Pedersen, the co-ordinator of ‘1MillionMarch4Children’ in Edmonton, accused the schools of “planting seeds in the minds of young children to start thinking about transgenderism”. She told the outlet that Wednesday’s march was not about hate or discrimination.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Peel District School Board (PDSB), Durham District School Board (DDSB) and Halton District School Board (HDSB) issued separate statements before the protest saying they all support the LGBTQ community.