Thank you.
I live in the riding of Scarborough Centre; it's part of the GTA. I do not live on a reserve. If I were in a situation of domestic violence, I would not have to leave my home; I would not be there living in fear. Most times the person who is accused, or the abuser, is actually removed from the home and the person who is subjected to the violence has the opportunity to stay in that home. It's a right that I and everyone in this committee and everyone here in this room has equal rights to: the matrimonial property, or where they live with their family.
So when I hear that one of the reasons a woman might have to go to a shelter is because she can't stay in her home, or she's afraid to be there, I can only think that this legislation, Bill S-2, is going to help that issue in particular. There is no legislation that's going to cure all situations and all issues, neither in the rest of Canada nor off reserve.
In your opinion, do you not believe that Bill S-2 will reduce the need for many women living on reserves to have to flee their own homes and go to a shelter?