moved for leave to introduce Bill C-223, an act to amend the Witness Protection Program Act and to make a related and consequential amendment to another act (protection of spouses whose life is in danger).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce my private member's bill that I call the new identities act.
Each year in Canada hundreds of women and children live in fear for their lives. Many women go into hiding, leaving behind their jobs, families and friends in order to cover their trail to hide from an abusive, violent spouse. Unfortunately, many are found and beaten, and some are even killed.
If passed, this bill will serve to formally protect those persons whose lives are in danger by bringing them into the witness protection system.
This summer I contacted over 500 shelters and organizations across Canada for their input on this bill. In return I received an incredible amount of support, constructive suggestions and, most importantly, the horrific stories that necessitate this bill.
We as parliamentarians must address the crisis of domestic violence and through the new identities program provide an escape for threatened individuals who have nowhere else to turn.
I hope that members on all sides of the House will give this bill the non-partisan support it deserves.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)