MPP LISA MACLEOD INTRODUCES SWEEPING CHILD SAFETY & PROTECTION MEASURES PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 19 November 2008 19:00
 
 
(QUEEN’S PARK) – MPP Lisa MacLeod introduced one of the most sweeping child protection measures in Ontario’s history, Children’s Safety and Protection Rights Act.

“As a society, we’ve unfortunately moved beyond only protecting Ontario’s most vulnerable kids.  Today, even children in stable, loving homes need greater protection from dangers on our streets, that’s why this bill includes sweeping measures that speak to families across the province, including my own,” said MPP Lisa MacLeod.

Highlights of the Children’s Safety and Protection Rights Act, 2008 include:
 
  • Expanding Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), to include child abuse.
  • Strengthening the Provincial Offences Act so child abusers may be detained and unable to contact their victims.
  • Banning advertising that contains images of a sexual nature of kids 16 and under.
  • Amending the Education Act to create November 20th as Children’s Day in Schools, establish mandatory reporting and banning corporal punishment.
  • Expanding the role of the Ombudsman.
  • Expanding the role of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.

The protection measures have garnered support from many quarters including Vern White who said, “As the Chief of Police for the City of Ottawa, I fully support legislation that will assist in protecting children.”

“This bill is ambitious and offers real solutions to some of the dangers our children face in these challenging times.  I’m appealing to all members of the Legislature to set aside team jerseys and political ideologies for the greater goal of child protection,”said MacLeod.

The Children’s Safety and Protective Rights Act, 2008 comes 120 years after Ontario’s first Children’s Protection Act (1888) and on National Child Day.   The Bill stems from Article 19 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

For more information please contact Jad Haffar, 416-325-6351