Madam Speaker, first, the member for Brandon--Souris knows that I always keep an open mind on legislative proposals, and I am certainly trying to do that in this debate.
When I focus on the question of a gender based analysis, I am pointing out what appears to be a missing piece in this whole process and a necessary one in terms of being able to critically evaluate this legislative proposal and make wise judgments in the end.
I am certainly open to all the other issues raised by the member from Brandon but I want him to acknowledge the fact that there is a need for legislation like this to be based upon a solid, gender based review of the policy area and the legislative proposal for us to do our jobs effectively.
With respect to all the other issues that the member raised, he may have missed the fact that at the outset of my remarks I said that based upon an initial analysis of the bill there appeared to be an attempt to achieve balance in this very difficult policy area. I also pointed out what appeared to be some very positive aspects to the legislation. I also referenced the issues around putting the child's interests front and centre, about finding a better framework for dealing with parental custody and responsibility, about revamping our unified family court program and about making advancements in those areas.
I have indicated that we are prepared to see this move forward because there is some balance in the legislation. It is not totally in conflict with our fundamental beliefs and values. On that basis we believe it should go forward but with the proviso that we need to hear from expert witnesses in the context of the bill.
I hope the justice committee is prepared to do the hard work in terms of amendments but, more important, it is critical, because this is such a complex bill, that we get the bill to committee and hear as many witnesses as is necessary to evaluate the bill in a positive way.