I want to continue a little bit on the question of legal aid when it comes to intimate partner violence. I know that quite often the answer is that it's really the responsibility of the provinces. What I'm looking for here is some commitment from the federal government with perhaps new pilot programs or new funding to encourage new programs in areas of intimate partner violence and support. The change in the law will mean that intimate partners will be involved in a criminal process but they will not be the defendants. Quite often there isn't legal assistance available for people who may face appearing in court in very difficult circumstances.
I'm looking for some leadership from the federal government on this, even though I recognize it's primarily a provincial responsibility.