The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), a prominent Canadian think tank, has positioned itself as a key player in shaping public policy, claiming to be a non-partisan voice for reason. However, its recent focus on anti-transgender narratives has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it promotes divisive rhetoric under the guise of neutrality. From sports inclusion to gender-affirming care, MLI’s publications have amplified voices that challenge trans rights, influencing provincial policies and conservative agendas.
MLI’s Shift to Anti-Trans Advocacy
Founded in 2010 by Brian Lee Crowley, MLI initially focused on issues like trade barriers and natural resource management. However, since 2021, the think tank has pivoted to social issues, particularly targeting trans rights. Key publications include:
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2021 Sports Poll and Report: MLI’s survey claimed most Canadians oppose trans women competing in women’s sports, followed by a report advocating for “open” and “female-only” sports categories. Authored by Jon Pike, Emma Hilton, and Leslie A. Howe—identified as anti-trans activists by Transgender Map—the report has been criticized for promoting trans-exclusionary views.
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Gender-Affirming Care and Prisons: MLI has published works opposing gender-affirming care for trans youth and advocating for trans prisoners to be housed based on assigned sex at birth, citing safety concerns for cis women. These reports align with a surge in anti-trans legislation in Canada and the U.S.
In 2023, MLI claimed “victory” in its annual report, noting that three Canadian provinces—Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick—adopted policies reflecting its recommendations, such as restricting trans youth healthcare and school pronoun policies. With over 20 of its 628 publications in 2024 focused on gender identity, MLI’s influence in this space is undeniable.
The Network Behind MLI’s Agenda
Despite branding itself as non-partisan, MLI’s connections to conservative networks raise questions about its neutrality. Trans rights advocate Andrea James, who runs Transgender Map, describes MLI as part of an “invisible college” of anti-trans academics and activists who cite each other to amplify their narrative. Notable figures include:
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Linda Blade: A Canadian sports coach and CPC member, Blade has pushed for policies restricting trans women in sports and single-sex spaces. Her 2021 book, co-authored with controversial columnist Barbara Kay and published by Rebel News, gained traction among conservative circles. Blade’s 2023 CPC policy resolution to “protect single-sex spaces” passed with 86% support.
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Mia Hughes: Hired in 2024 as a senior fellow, Hughes authored The WPATH Files, criticized as an attack on trans healthcare. As director of Genspect Canada, labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Hughes opposes gender-affirming care for youth.
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Conservative Party Ties: MLI employs former CPC staff like Shuvaloy Majumdar, now a Conservative MP, and board members like Christian Paradis and Nigel Wright, both linked to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Roy Eappen, a “gay Tory” and senior fellow, has also written against trans healthcare.
MLI’s funding further ties it to conservative networks. Historical donors include the Charles Koch Foundation and the Atlas Network, a U.S.-based libertarian group linked to the Heritage Foundation, which drives anti-trans policies in the U.S. While MLI stopped disclosing donors in 2019, its reliance on such funding suggests a right-leaning agenda.
Impact on Policy and Public Discourse
MLI’s influence is evident in Canadian policy shifts. Alberta and Saskatchewan’s 2023-2024 policies restricting trans youth healthcare and pronoun use in schools mirror MLI’s recommendations. The think tank’s report on trans prisoners was cited in a 2025 lawsuit by Canadian Women’s Sex-Based Rights (caWsbar), backed by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, claiming trans-inclusive prison policies violate cis women’s rights. These legal and policy moves align with a broader rise in anti-trans sentiment, with Statistics Canada reporting a 151% increase in gender identity-based hate crimes from 2020 to 2023.
MLI’s media presence amplifies its reach. Its reports have appeared on platforms like Dr. Phil and conservative outlets like the Washington Examiner, often framed as expert analysis. The think tank’s YouTube channel, podcasts, and webinars, including a 2023 fundraiser led by Linda Blade, promote its narrative while soliciting donations to combat “extreme gender ideology.”
Critics Speak Out
Trans rights advocates like Andrea James argue MLI’s work is propaganda, leveraging academic credentials to spread misinformation. James highlights the “academic log-rolling” tactic, where MLI fellows cite each other to create a veneer of credibility. Critics also point to MLI’s selective framing, such as emphasizing cis women’s safety without evidence of increased risk from trans inclusion. Donald Abelson, a think tank expert at McMaster University, notes MLI’s conservative leanings mirror the Heritage Foundation’s advocacy model, despite its non-partisan claims.
MLI defends its stance, with fellows like Pike, Hilton, and Howe insisting their work focuses on “sex-based rights” and fairness, not anti-trans activism. Blade similarly claims support for trans inclusion in “correct” categories. However, critics argue these distinctions mask a broader anti-trans agenda, especially as MLI’s rhetoric fuels policy changes and public hostility.
The Bigger Picture
MLI’s focus on trans issues reflects a global trend of escalating culture wars. In the U.S., over 900 anti-trans bills have been introduced since 2021, while Canada’s conservative provinces have followed suit. The think tank’s growth—16% revenue increase in 2024—shows its success in capitalizing on these debates. However, its actions come at a cost: rising hate crimes and eroded trans rights signal a challenging road ahead for Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ community.
Canada’s culture wars
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s claim of non-partisanship belies its deep ties to conservative networks and its role in advancing anti-trans policies. By amplifying figures like Linda Blade and Mia Hughes, MLI shapes Canada’s culture wars, influencing legislation and public opinion. As trans rights face increasing scrutiny, understanding MLI’s agenda is crucial for advocates and policymakers alike. The debate over trans inclusion demands evidence-based dialogue, not polarized rhetoric from influential think tanks.
