moved for leave to introduce Bill C-285, an act to amend the Divorce Act (joint custody).
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to introduce this bill and thank my hon. colleague from Skeena for seconding it.
Sadly, all too often marriages in Canada end in divorce. Unfortunately, children are frequently the casualty of these breaks-ups and they are further hurt when custody is awarded to only one parent. This bill would provide for automatic joint custody unless there is proven neglect or abuse.
Joint custody does not mean children are shuffled back and forth between two homes. It means there is a joint responsibility for decisions made in the best interest of the child and access cannot be denied arbitrarily by one of the parents. Children need the love and support of both parents and our laws should reflect that.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)