Thank you.
I would like to move CPC-21.
This is a very important piece. This is what we feel would define domestic violence, so I would like to read this into the record, Chair. I almost called you “your worship”.
The amendment is that Bill C-21, in clause 36, be amended by adding after line 37 on page 23 the following:
(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), domestic violence means conduct, whether or not it constitutes a criminal offence, by a family member towards another family member, including conduct by or towards an intimate partner, that is violent or threatening or that is part of a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour or that causes that other family member or intimate partner to fear for their safety or the safety of another person, and includes:
(a) physical abuse, including forced confinement, but excluding the use of reasonable force to protect themselves or another person;
(b) sexual abuse;
(c) psychological abuse;
(d) financial abuse;
(e) threats to kill or cause bodily harm to any person;
(f) threats to kill or harm an animal or damage property;
(g) harassment, including stalking;
(h) the failure to provide the necessities of life; and
(i) the killing or harming of an animal or the damaging of property.
I won't say any more about this. I think this is an important amendment, and we'll see what my colleagues and roommates in here feel about this themselves.