New Identities Bill Passes Second Reading

Tuesday, May 2, 2000

OTTAWA-Today Jay Hill, MP was elated that Bill C-223 (The Witness and Spousal Protection Act) passed second reading by a slim margin of 115 in favour, to 109 opposed.

"I really didn’t think it was going to carry. The Cabinet was not in favour of my bill and the backbenchers usually comply. I am very thankful that 17 Liberal Members voted with the Members of the Canadian Alliance, the NDP, the PCs and the Bloc to get my Bill to the next stage," Hill stated.

The bill now goes to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for further study and possible amendment. Witnesses will appear and give testimony before the committee on a wide array of related issues to help the Committee comprehend the full extent of the proposed legislation.

"This is just the latest battle in a long fight to make this bill law. The important thing is that the issues of domestic violence, including child abuse and spousal abuse, violence against women and witness protection will be studied by the Committee. I hope that the testimony that will be brought forward by the victims, experts and frontline workers will help convince those MPs that voted against the bill to work with me to find the solutions to these travesties," concluded Hill.