You have 15 seconds.
Evidence of meeting #100 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was child.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #100 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was child.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director, Law and Policy, Association for Reformed Political Action Canada
I don't think removing this is the only way to deal with the abuses that children face and that they're—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lena Metlege Diab
Thank you for that.
Again, if there is anything that anybody wishes to say that we haven't had time for today, please send it to us in writing.
I will now move to Madam Brière for five minutes.
Liberal
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to all our witnesses.
I will ask my questions in French.
Ms. Butler, what's the balance between protecting children from corporal punishment and the fact that it isn't in the best interests of the child or our justice system to impose criminal sanctions on parents and teachers for these physical acts?
Past Chair, Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children
Thank you very much for the question. I appreciate that you're bringing in the best interests of the child.
First of all, I would say that parental rights are not in conflict with children's rights. Parents have a duty and they are responsibility bearers. They need to uphold children's rights.
I want to think about the international context. Dr. Durrant has already mentioned New Zealand and Sweden. I'd also like to mention Ireland and Wales.
What we see when we look at what has happened worldwide is that police and the justice system are not pulling in parents for these kinds of situations. Instead, we're seeing many more positive parenting programs that are giving parents different options when this kind of situation occurs.
I'd also note that if you've read some of the letters that I believe came to the committee, you'll see the only cases that do get prosecuted are cases where children have been beaten very severely in the home. Having this total ban on corporal punishment is really important.
I want to pick up on one other point, which is that we're not saying that you can never use force in a case of safety, like the two-finger thing. I have a three-year old. If she's going to touch the stove, of course I can pull those two fingers away for safety, but I'm not afterwards going to slap her really hard on her two fingers. There's a difference between safety and punishment afterwards. I just wanted to say that.
Liberal
Professor, University of Manitoba, As an Individual
Yes, thank you.
I think it's important that we're all aware that parents, teachers, early childhood educators, group home workers, youth care staff and everyone who cares for another person have a legal duty of care. If a parent did not put a child in a car seat, did not pull a child out of traffic or did not pull a child's hand back from the stove, they could be charged with negligence because they have a required legal duty of care. They are responsible for the care and protection of children.
What we're trying to end is acts of aggression, coercion and violence against children. We have a legal duty to care.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lena Metlege Diab
I'm sorry, Dr. Durrant, but I noticed that bells are ringing in the chamber. I need consent from all members to continue with the next seven minutes of this committee.
Do I have consent?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lena Metlege Diab
Okay.
Thank you very much to the witnesses for coming. It's 10:08, so we were going to finish in five minutes.
If there is anything you would like to add, please send it to us in writing.
There's one thing I wanted to decide with the committee, and if we have to, we will send it in writing. We know that on Monday we will continue with this study. I need to get a bit of feedback on whether we can do clause-by-clause on Thursday of next week. If so, we will be seeking to receive any amendments by Tuesday at noon. That would be the deadline.
Bloc
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lena Metlege Diab
No, it's Tuesday for sending amendments and Thursday for clause-by-clause.
You can speak to me if you want so we can make a decision.
Liberal
