Corinne’s Quest
Suite 1805, 719 Princess Street • New Westminster BC Canada V3M 6T9 • 1-604-258-9074 • www.corinnesquest.ca
News Release
For Immediate Release May 19, 2022
Bill to protect Canadian children’s rights tabled in the House of Commons
Canada’s premier organization which advocates for an end to legalized hitting of children is delighted that the federal New Democratic Party has tabled a bill to ban the practice.
“Today is a great day for the rights of Canada’s children,” said Kathy Lynn, chair of Corinne’s Quest, a national organization dedicated to repeal of Section 43 of the Criminal Code.
“Section 43 protects parents and others who hit children in the name of discipline. More than 63 countries worldwide have banned the practise, and Canada is not among them.
“We recently heard from the federal Minister of Justice that the Liberal government is seeking the best way to remove the section from the law. We recommend they move quickly to implement Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action Number 6, which calls for repeal of this section.”
“Many Canadians believe s.43 protects children from harm. In fact, it does nothing of the sort. It justifies use of force and provides a defense for those who do.
…2
What the criminal code says
Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada
Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable
under the circumstances. R.S.C., 1985, c .C-4 CQ’s position
Violence against children should be against the law, not defined by it.
Decades ago in Canada, it wasn’t a criminal assault to physically beat
slaves, servants, apprentices, prisoners, dogs,
wives, and
children.
In today’s Canada, only children are still on that list.
“We know that public sentiment in largely in favour of repeal and most MPs support us as well, but the government has failed to act.”
- The UN and most of the world’s governments are in favour of repeal.
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report calls for repeal.
- Most provinces now have laws or policy on the books banning the strap.
- Research overwhelmingly warns of harms to children, including physical injury but also teaching children that violence is an inappropriate means for dealing with problems.
- Section 43 denies children their basic civil rights.
- Child-serving organizations and professionals including doctors and lawyers have voiced their support for repeal.
– 30–
For information on Corinne’s Quest, see their website at corinnesquest.ca
For more information you may contact: Kathy Lynn, chair, at 604-258-9074