Mr. Speaker, I would like to present two petitions.
The first is signed by concerned citizens of my riding and across Ontario. These petitioners call on Parliament to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code which permits parents, teachers and guardians to use reasonable force in disciplining their children.
They are very concerned that the term, reasonable force, has been interpreted very broadly by the courts and permits severe physical punishment of children.
The petitioners feel that section 43 contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and that children in our society must be protected from physical abuse.