Toronto, ON – Councillor Paula Fletcher is putting forward a motion this week requesting Toronto City Council support Private Member’s Bill C-233, "Keira’s Law." If adopted by Parliament, this Bill would amend the Criminal Code and Judges Act to strengthen protections for women and children from domestic violence.
This Bill was introduced in the House of Commons by Member of Parliament Anju Dhillon in February and is currently being considered by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. It is very important that this Bill make it to third reading, which is why municipalities are showing their support. Burlington, Vaughan and Halton Region Councils have also passed motions in support of this Bill.
According to the National Judicial Institute, there is no mandatory education for Judges on domestic violence. The most dangerous time for a victim of abuse is when she separates from her partner. A formal education program regarding domestic violence or coercive control and other measures proposed in Private Member’s Bill C-233 would ensure another line of defense for victims, as well as preventing violence and abuse before it happens. "Keira’s Law" is named after four-year-old Keira Kagan, who was killed while in the custody of her father in 2020.
"I'm asking my colleagues to show their support for Keira's Law so that we can better protect women and children from domestic violence. Cases such as Keira's are so tragic and hopefully we can ensure other children will be protected and bring more awareness to this issue," said Councillor Fletcher.
City Council will discuss and vote on Councillor Fletcher's Member Motion at the May 11th and 12th meeting.
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