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Carolyn Burjoski vs. transgender people

Carolyn Burjoski is a retired Canadian educator and anti-transgender activist. Burjoski has used other names, including “Maddie Watersong.”

Background

Carolyn Anne Burjoski was an elementary schoolteacher at Forest Hill Public School in the Waterloo Region District until retiring on January 31, 2022, shortly after an incident involving Burjoski during a Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) videoconference.

Burjoski is married and has three adult children.

Anti-trans activism

On January 17, 2022, Burjoski requested ten minutes to present an agenda item titled “Library Review.” At the time, WRDSB was in the process of culling school materials that might be deemed harmful. Burjoski noted that WRDSB included school materials relating to issues of sex and gender in connection with Transgender Awareness Week. Burjoski argued that some of these materials might also be considered harmful under the WRDSB’s criteria for culling school materials:

“I decided to ask the Board to explain the philosophy by which they decided, for example, that Dr. Suess [sic] was now considered inappropriate and these new diverse books for young children with sexual content were appropriate. I was granted a delegation at the Board of Trustees meeting on January 17, 2022. There I read excerpts from two of these children’s books, criticizing the age-appropriateness of the sexual content.”

The “sexual content” Burjoski objected to included Rick by Alex Gino, a book about a middle school student who comes to identify as asexual. Burjoski told the school board, “In fact, some of the books filling our libraries make it seem simple or even cool to take puberty blockers and opposite sex hormones.” Shortly after Burjoski cited the book The Other Boy by MG Hennessey, the board chair cautioned Burjoski about saying anything more that might violate Canada’s Human Rights Code. Burjoski then continued, stating:

“The other book by MG Hennessey chronicles the medical transition of Shane, who was born female and now identifies as a boy. Shane takes puberty blockers and is now excited to start testosterone. The doctor states that this hormone mixture will leave Shane infertile in the future. Shane’s response is: “It’s cool” ‐ a very typical adolescent response. This book is misleading because it does not take into account how Shane might feel later in life about being infertile. This book makes very serious medical interventions seem like an easy cure for emotional and social distress.”

The board chair then ended Burjoski’s presentation, citing the Code’s prohibition against discrimination on the grounds of gender expression and gender identity. Following a board vote, the chair removed Burjoski from the videoconference. On January 20, 2022, the Board published a statement expressing “deep regret for any harm caused to the transgender community” due to Burjoski’s presentation. After WRDSB filed a formal complaint and hired an outside investigator, Burjoski said, “On January 22, I suffered a breakdown from extreme anxiety and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.” 

Burjoski then filed two lawsuits:

  • Burjoski v. Waterloo Region District School Board (2023 ONSC 6506): This case argued that the board’s decision violated Burjoski’s freedom of expression and was procedurally unfair. The court held that the board chair had the authority to maintain order and that the decision to stop Burjoski’s presentation was reasonable under the circumstances.
  • Burjoski v. Waterloo Region District School Board (2023 ONSC 6528): Burjoski also sued the WRDSB and board chair Scott Piatkowski for defamation and intentional infliction of mental suffering. WRDSB tried to get this case dismissed under Ontario’s anti-SLAPP legislation, but Burjoski prevailed and was awarded legal fees of $37,500. In January 2026, the case was settled under confidential terms.

Canadian civil rights group Egale submitted materials as an intervenor in the case. Our Duty Canada also submitted materials as an intervenor. In a video summarizing the case, Burjoski said the total costs as a plaintiff were nearly CDN$250,000, and Burjoski received nearly $220,000 in donations from crowdfunding and other donors.

At the conclusion of the cases, Burjoski reportedly donated $10,000 (the surplus of ~$7,300 and a personal donation) to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.

“Maddie Watersong”

In 2021, Burjoski released the children’s book It’s Awesome To Be A Girl! under the name “Maddie Watersong.” The book was illustrated by Natia Gojiashvili and released by Mad Water Media. The Amazon author listing states: “Maddie Watersong is a children’s educator and mother of three awesome daughters. Her passion is to empower girls with confidence and strong relationships. She lives in Ontario, Canada.”

Although the book does not specifically mention trans topics, it reads as a response to age-appropriate children’s books featuring transgender and gender diverse youth.

In 2026, following the settlement, Burjoski re-released the book under the name Carolyn Burjoski. The revised book listing states “Carolyn Burjoski is a veteran elementary school teacher with more than two decades of experience helping young children fall in love with reading. It’s Awesome to Be a Girl! grew out of her years in the classroom and her belief that every little girl deserves a story that celebrates her exactly as she is.” The Amazon author bio states: “Carolyn Burjoski is a recently retired elementary school teacher with twenty-five years in the classroom. Much of her career was devoted to teaching reading in an Accelerated Basic Literacy Education program — a specialized class for multilingual language learners in Grades 4 through 6 who had experienced interrupted education, often as refugees of war. Carolyn is a mother of three adult daughters and a grandmother of four. Her two awesome granddaughters were the inspiration for this book. She lives in Ontario, Canada, and is currently at work on a memoir about her career in education.”

“Karen Finlay”

caWsbar

“Karen Finlay” is the pseudonym used by a founding member of anti-trans group Canadian Women’s Sex-Based Rights (caWsbar). “Finlay” published the press release announcing the launch of caWsbar on December 16, 2019.

“Karen Finlay,” according to their listing in 2020, “writes for womenarehuman.com and is a mother.” The caWsbar listing for “Finlay” was removed in 2021.

In 2021, the caWsbar steering committee page added a new listing: “Karrie* is a baker and former teacher with a background in North American history and law. She has lived in three countries and a variety of places in Canada. She is the mother to a young child, cat, and dog.” It’s not clear if this is the same person as “Karen Finlay.”

Women Are Human

“Karen Finlay” began writing for anti-trans group blog Women are Human in April 2019. According to a 2020 Women Are Human author profile:

“Karen Finlay lives in Canada and is a founding member of Canadian Women’s Sex-Based Rights (caWsbar): a cross-Canada, non-partisan coalition of women and male allies working together to preserve the rights and protections of women and girls, as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 15). https://www.cawsbar.ca/.”

In 2021, the Women Are Human author profile was updated to say:

“Karen Finlay lives in Canada. She supports the right of anyone to identify as any kind of gender, and to be able to live free from discrimination and harassment when doing so. She does not support dismantling sex-segregated spaces.”

Many articles by “Karen Finlay” link transgender people to violence and criminality.

On January 23, 2022, “Karen Finlay” published a highly detailed report about Carolyn Burjoski on Women Are Human. The specificity of the report suggests that “Finlay” is closely connected to Carolyn Burjoski and may actually be Burjoski.

References

Koehler, Justin (January 20, 2026). Settlement reached in $1.75M lawsuit between retired teacher, WRDSB. CityNews Kitchener https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/01/20/settlement-reached-in-1-75m-lawsuit-between-retired-teacher-wrdsb/

Knox, Shelby; Schmidt, Hannah (January 19, 2026). Waterloo Region District School Board and former teacher reach settlement. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/waterloo-region-district-school-board-and-former-teacher-reach-settlement/

Baker, Jennifer K. (September 11, 2024). WRDSB appeals defamation lawsuit by former teacher. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/wrdsb-appeals-defamation-lawsuit-by-former-teacher/

Baker, Jennifer K. (May 15, 2024). Former teacher, trustees voice opposition to revised WRDSB bylaws. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/former-teacher-trustees-voice-opposition-to-revised-wrdsb-bylaws/

Baker, Jennifer K. (May 9, 2024). Court dismisses appeal by former WRDSB teacher. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/court-dismisses-appeal-by-former-wrdsb-teacher/

Staff report (December 6, 2023). Burjoski will not finish presentation, court decision made two years later. CityNews Kitchener https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2023/12/06/burjoski-will-not-finish-presentation-court-decision-made-two-years-later/

Baker, Jennifer K. (December 5, 2023). Court finds WRDSB trustees acted reasonably in ending former teacher’s presentation. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/court-finds-wrdsb-trustees-acted-reasonably-in-ending-former-teachers-presentation/

Turcotte, Spencer (November 27, 2023). Court rejects WRDSB attempt to dismiss defamation lawsuit. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/court-rejects-wrdsb-attempt-to-dismiss-defamation-lawsuit/

Bueckert, Kate (November 27, 2023). Ex-teacher silenced for book views can proceed with lawsuit against Waterloo region board after court ruling. CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/carolyn-burjoski-defamation-lawsuit-waterloo-region-school-board-1.7041375

Baker, Jennifer K. (June 20, 2022). Former teacher launches another legal move over removal from WRDSB meeting. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/former-teacher-launches-another-legal-move-over-removal-from-wrdsb-meeting/

Ma, Germain (May 6, 2022). Retired teacher who faced transphobia accusations files defamation suit against WRDSB, chair. CityNews Kitchener https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2022/05/06/retired-teacher-who-faced-transphobia-accusations-files-defamation-suit-against-waterloo-region-district-school-board-chair-5337538/

Duhatschek, Paula (May 6, 2022). What’s in retired WRDSB teacher’s $1.75 million defamation suit against board. CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wrdsb-teacher-lawsuit-defamation-1.6444646

Desmond, Paige (January 25, 2022). WRDSB defends removal of delegation on transgender books. The Record https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2022/01/25/wrdsb-defends-removal-of-delegation-on-transgender-books.html [archive]

Staff report (January 24, 2022). Waterloo regional school board to hear from community after teacher expelled for stand on LGBTQ+ books. CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wrdsb-lgbtq2-queer-1.6325436

Baker, Jennifer K. (January 21, 2022). ‘Silenced and punished’: WRDSB teacher speaks out about controversial school board meeting. CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/silenced-and-punished-wrdsb-teacher-speaks-out-about-controversial-school-board-meeting/

Pare, Mark (January 21, 2022). WRDSB expresses regret for recent comments made by teacher. CityNews Kitchener https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2022/01/21/wrdsb-expresses-regret-for-recent-comments-made-by-teacher-4978888/

Lampa, Nicole; Senoran, Heather (January 18, 2022). WRDSB teacher removed from virtual board meeting after comments deemed transphobic by chair. https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/wrdsb-teacher-removed-from-virtual-board-meeting-after-comments-deemed-transphobic-by-chair/

Latkowski, Barbara (January 18, 2022). Teacher removed from school board meeting for comments about book with transgender content. Cambridge Today cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/teacher-removed-from-school-board-meeting-for-comments-about-book-with-transgender-content-4968761

Ma, Germain (January 18, 2022). Local teacher removed from school board meeting for ‘transphobic comments.’ CityNews Kitchener https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2022/01/18/local-teacher-removed-from-school-board-meeting-for-transphobic-comments-4966071/

Monteiro, Liz (June 17, 2013). School program helps young refugees get up to speed. The Record https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2013/06/17/school-program-helps-young-refugees-get-up-to-speed.html [archive]

Anti-trans coverage

Bennet, Melanie (January 21, 2026). Teacher who challenged school board over gender books settles defamation case. Juno News https://www.junonews.com/p/teacher-who-challenged-school-board

Staff report (December 10, 2023). BPC Bulletin: Carolyn Burjoski v. the Waterloo Region District School Board. Centre for Free Expression https://cfe.torontomu.ca/bpc-bulletins/bpc-bulletin-carolyn-burjoski-v-waterloo-region-district-school-board

Kay, Barbara (December 3, 2023). Barbara Kay: Silenced teacher becomes a hero of the anti-woke resistance. National Post https://nationalpost.com/opinion/silenced-teacher-becomes-a-hero-of-the-anti-woke-resistance

Malott, Julia (November 28, 2023). Julia Malott: Clear-eyed judge razes left’s favourite tactic — silence critics in bad faith. National Post https://nationalpost.com/opinion/julia-malott-school-board-plays-victim-while-bullying-teacher-over-transgender-book

Staff report (November 25, 2023). Court victory for teacher silenced for transgender-book criticism. National Post https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/court-victory-for-teacher-silenced-for-transgender-book-criticism

D’Amato, Luisa (November 28, 2023). Time for the school board to learn its lesson. New Hamburg Independent https://www.newhamburgindependent.ca/opinion/columnists/time-for-the-school-board-to-learn-its-lesson/article_84d50234-f875-5b0f-9517-3c7e37a947a1.html

Woolstencroft, Peter (March 23, 2022). Safeguarding free speech and democracy at the local level: Peter Woolstencroft for Inside Policy. Macdonald-Laurier Institute / Inside Policy https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/safeguarding-free-speech-and-democracy-at-the-local-level-peter-woolstencroft-for-inside-policy/

Kiss, Simon J. (February 7, 2022). We must guard against the creep of authoritarianism as a threat to liberal democracy. The Record https://www.therecord.com/opinion/2022/02/07/we-must-guard-against-the-creep-of-authoritarianism-as-a-threat-to-liberal-democracy.html [archive]

Urback, Robyn (January 28, 2022). The illiberalism clouding discussions of trans issues will only push people to the fringes. The Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-illiberalism-clouding-discussions-of-trans-issues-will-only-push/

Zivo, Adam (January 24, 2022). Adam Zivo: Reason-phobic school board punishes teacher over valid questions about transgender books. National Post https://nationalpost.com/opinion/adam-zivo-teacher-punished-for-asking-about-transgender-books-had-reasonable-concerns

“Finlay, Karen” (January 23, 2022). Teacher Ejected From Virtual School Board Meeting for “Transphobic Comments”; Subsequently Investigated. Women Are Human https://www.womenarehuman.com/teacher-ejected-from-virtual-school-board-meeting-for-transphobic-comments-subsequently-investigated/

Levy, Sue-Ann (January 21, 2022). LEVY: Waterloo school board trying to obliterate debate over sexualized children’s books. True North https://tnc.news/2022/01/21/levy-waterloo-school-board-trying-to-obliterate-debate-over-sexualized-childrens-books/

Levy, Sue-Ann (January 18, 2022). LEVY: Waterloo trustees shut down opposition to sexualized children’s books. True North https://tnc.news/2022/01/18/levy-waterloo-trustees-shut-down-opposition-to-sexualized-childrens-books/

Selected writing by Burjoski

Burjoski, Carolyn (January 19, 2026). A Message from Carolyn Burjoski: The lawsuit has been settled. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/a-message-from-carolyn-burjoski

Burjoski, Carolyn (November 7, 2024). Another Big Win for Truth! Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in the Carolyn Burjoski case. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/another-big-win-for-truth

Burjoski, Carolyn (August 26, 2024). Update: Carolyn Burjoski vs. WRDSB Corporation: ‘Our Duty Canada’ will counterbalance ‘EGALE Canada’ at upcoming hearing on September 11th. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/update-carolyn-burjoski-vs-wrdsb

Burjoski, Carolyn (May 23, 2024). BURJOSKI: “Bylaw Recommendations” – May 13, 2024: A delegation to the WRDSB by Parent of Waterloo Region Carolyn Burjoski. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/bylaw-recommendations-a-delegation

Burjoski, Carolyn (January 2, 2024). Shameless School Board Escalates Teacher’s Legal Battle for Free Speech. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/shameless-school-board-escalates

Burjoski, Carolyn (November 28, 2023). Victory! I am thrilled to announce the first major victory in my legal battle with the Waterloo Region District School Board. EMPOWR https://empowrconnect.substack.com/p/victory

Books

Burjoski, Carolyn [author]; Gojiashvili, Natia [illustrator] (2026). It’s Awesome To Be A Girl! (Second Edition). Mad Water Media, ISBN 978-1777597726

Burjoski, Carolyn [as author “Maddie Watersong”] Gojiashvili, Natia [illustrator] (2021). It’s Awesome To Be A Girl! Mad Water Media, ISBN 978-1777597702

Media

Carolyn Burjoski (May 10, 2026). Final Update: The Financial Story Behind My Legal Battle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_vuxR-odcE

Carolyn Burjoski (May 4, 2026). It’s Awesome to Be a Girl! Read-Aloud With Author Carolyn Burjoski. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEh2OxkypQ

Juno News (2022). Waterloo School Board shuts down opposition to sexualized children’s books. https://rumble.com/vt0l2v-waterloo-school-board-shuts-down-opposition-to-sexualized-childrens-books.html

Resources

Egale Canada (egale.ca)

Cancelled Teacher (cancelledteacher.com)

Mad Water Media (madwatermedia.com)

X/Twitter (x.com)

YouTube (youtube.com)

Facebook (facebook.com)

Instagram (instagram.com)

LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

Amazon (amazon.com)

GoFundMe (gofundme.com)