Madam Speaker, although I am aware of the atmosphere of cynicism and doubt around this issue, I try to be instinctively optimistic that we can in fact improve the situation.
I find myself in complete agreement though with the hon. member's condemnation of his own government and the length of time it has taken to get this matter back before Parliament in such a fashion that we can do something about it.
Yes, I hear from constituents quite regularly. I heard from them during the time I was practising law about the frustration and the need to go back to basics in offering an approach that is balanced toward ensuring that the rights of both parents and grandparents are protected, all those persons interested in the well-being of the child, and that the rights of children are protected.
The hon. member is certainly correct to suggest that in some instances it is apparent that it would be preferable to have a lawyer there speaking solely for the child. There have been rare instances where the court has appointed counsel for a child in cases where the warring parents become so driven and obsessed with their own interests that the child becomes very much the victim.
I look forward to working with the member and hearing from those who are still striving to improve the situation, and who will come before committee. Our objective is to bring forward a bill that will in fact improve the situation and not exacerbate it. I have real concerns that the way the bill is currently presented will not improve the situation, but cause further problems for parents and for children in situations of divorce and separation.