Jay Hill Welcomes Federal Initiative to Provide New Identities to Victims of Abuse

Friday, March 16, 2007

OTTAWA – Almost eight years after first introducing a private member’s bill to shelter victims fleeing spousal abuse under the Witness Protection Program, the Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, welcomed today’s announcement by the Conservative Government that consultations are underway to establish a new centralized program under Service Canada to help the most vulnerable victims of abuse change their identities.

Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced the federal government will collaborate with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders and advocacy groups in developing a comprehensive approach to assisting abuse victims at risk of serious injury or death in changing their identities.

“Eight years ago, after the savage beating of my constituent, Mary-Lynne Miller, by her former common law husband, despite her repeated attempts to flee from his reach, I saw an urgent need to provide enhanced protection to victims and their children who literally had ‘nowhere to hide’ from an abusive partner or ex-partner,” said Hill. “In its desire to get things done for victims of domestic abuse, this Conservative government answered my challenge and that of my colleague Conservative MP Steven Blaney.”

As Chief Government Whip, Hill asked Mr. Blaney at the beginning of the current parliament to take on his long-time private member’s bill. As Bill C-286 advanced through the legislative process, the Public Safety department and Service Canada began working to determine the best approach to addressing the special needs of these abuse victims.

“From the outset, I remained committed to a centralized, mandated federal program to help abuse victims acquire a new identity. Given its expertise, the Witness Protection Program seemed the best resource available at the time.” Hill added, “However through further input from victims’ groups it was determined abuse victims require a specialized social approach and support services that the RCMP’s Witness Protection Program cannot provide.”

Hill concluded, “I view this as one more rewarding victory that I have experienced since our Conservative Government was elected. Finally, tangible action by the federal government to help the most desperate victims of domestic violence.”

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