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2024-04-30 Letter Regarding Bill C-273
2024-04-30 Letter Regarding Bill C-273
Le Canada a mis fin aux châ ments corporels sur les appren s en 1955, sur
les prisonniers en 1968, en tant que peine judiciaire en 1972, et sur les
équipages de navires en 2001. On ne peut plus frapper les marins ou les
détenus, mais on peut encore frapper les enfants de 2 ans. Ce e situa on ne
peut plus durer.
Les parents et les enseignants seront pleinement protégés par l’ar cle 34. En
outre, ils ont accès à la défense de common law de la nécessité. Et ils ont un
devoir légal de diligence. Les enseignants qui font ce que conseille l’avocat
de la FCE – ne pas intervenir si des enfants sont blessés – se rendront
coupables de négligence.
Il n’y a aucune raison de retarder les choses. Des milliers d’enfants ont été
frappés et blessés depuis l’introduc on du projet de loi C-273. Chaque jour
de retard met plus d’enfants en danger. Beaucoup seront ba us parce que la
loi dit à leurs parents qu’il est acceptable de les frapper. Certains seront tués
à cause de l’escalade de la violence.
Le 30 avril, Journée interna onale pour l'aboli on des châ ments corporels
in igés aux enfants, veuillez procéder à l'examen détaillé ar cle par ar cle et
faire avancer le projet de loi de toute urgence vers la Chambre des
communes. Les enfants comptent sur vous.
George Stama s
Défenseur des Droits des Enfants
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April 30, 2024
Dear Chair and Members of the Standing Commi ee on Jus ce and Human
Rights,
The TRC called for repeal of sec on 43 as a vital act of reconcilia on, calling
it “a relic of a discredited past [that] has no place in Canadian schools or
homes.” It is a colonial law that violates children’s rights to protec on,
dignity, and physical security. The point is not whether punching a child is
s ll legal. The point is, as Murray Sinclair stated, “that children are totally
dependent on adults for their basic needs. When their rights are violated,
their lack of power renders them incapable of resistance or of taking ac on.
Their vulnerability also causes them signi cant emo onal and mental harm,
precisely because correc onal assaults are in icted on them by adults that
they depend on for protec on, for love and for emo onal well-being.”
Parents and teachers will be fully protected under sec on 34. In addi on,
they have access to the common law defence of necessity. And they have a
legal duty of care. Teachers who do as the CTF’s lawyer advises – to not
intervene if children are being hurt – will be guilty of negligence.
There is no reason to delay. Thousands of children have been hit and hurt
since Bill C-273 was introduced. Each day of delay puts more children at risk
of harm. Many will be beaten because the law tells their parents it’s ok to
hit them. Some will be killed, as the violence escalates.
On April 30, the Interna onal Day to End Corporal Punishment of Children,
please complete the clause-by-clause examina on and move the bill forward
to the House of Commons with urgency. Children are coun ng on you.
Sincerely,
George Stama s
Child Rights Advocate
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