Mr. Speaker, my next petition contains 25 signatures which supports Motion No. 33, parental rights and responsibilities which I introduced in 1997.
Petitioners call on the government to reassure Canadian families and reaffirm written statements made by the government on June 9, 1998 that the convention on the rights of the child undermines the role of parents as unwarranted and concerns that the government intends to remove section 43 from the Criminal Code are unwarranted. These citizens recognize that the family is the fundamental unit of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of the children and that it should be protected.
I have two petitions containing 353 signatures from Canadians from coast to coast who support Motion No. 478 which I reintroduced on October 7, 1998. It proposes to add parental rights, responsibilities and liberty to the charter of rights and freedoms.
The petitioners call on the government to amend section 7 of the charter of rights and freedoms to recognize the fundamental right of individuals to pursue family life free from undue interference by the state.