Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of Liliane George of Grandparents Requesting Access and Dignity, along with 186 others.
They draw the attention of the House to the fact that grandparents as a consequence of the death, separation or divorce of their children are often denied access to the grandchildren by their guardians. The relationship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren is a natural fundamental one and the denial of access can constitute elder abuse and can have a serious detrimental emotional impact on both the grandparents and the grandchildren.
There is legislation in several provincial jurisdictions, including Quebec and Alberta, containing provisions to ensure the right of access of grandparents to their grandchildren. They are asking this House to amend the Divorce Act to make this possible.