HILL REINTRODUCES LEGISLATION

October 29, 2002 

OTTAWA – Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River, reintroduced several of his Private Members’ Bills that were removed from the Order Paper due to the recent prorogation of Parliament.   

Bill C-245 outlines changes to the Divorce Act that would mandate shared parenting amongst separated parents.  “Shared parenting should not be awarded only under special circumstances but it should be granted under all circumstances except in cases of proof of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or if it is not in the best interests of the child,” Hill stated while introducing the bill. Child custody remains an important issue to many Canadians.  This bill aims to force change in an area the government continues to ignore.   

Bill C-246 relates to the deductibility of child adoption expenses.  “Adopting a child is an expensive and lengthy process.  This bill would help encourage couples who would like to start a family by reducing the burden of additional costs incurred.”  Hill has received hundreds of letters and petitions from people across Canada expressing their resolute support of this bill. 

Bill C-247 proposes changes to the Criminal Code on conditional sentencing.  “This form of sentencing should be intended for relatively minor offences, however, the law does not outline where it may be used.  As a result, many criminals received light sentences for crimes as serious as sexual assault, manslaughter, drunk driving and drug trafficking.”  This bill, if passed by Parliament, would clearly state circumstances where conditional sentencing may not be used by the courts. 

Bill C-248 addresses the serious issue of drug trafficking near elementary and high schools.  “Implementing a drug-free zone around schools would obviously provide young Canadians with a safe school to learn and reduce drug usage by our youth.  Drug traffickers, who specifically target children, should be faced with stiffer penalties under our laws.”   

Yesterday, Hill introduced Bill C-270 which seeks to protect victims of spousal violence.  “The staggering increase with this form of violence is particularly cruel because it is committed within a family by an assailant known to the victim.”  Under this proposed legislation, victims of spousal violence whose lives are in danger would be eligible to enter the witness protection system and receive a new identity.