Over 80,000 Canadian Doctors Support Bill S-206

Over 80,000 Canadian Doctors Support Bill S-206

to Protect Children from Standard Child-Rearing Violence

by Repealing Section 43 of the Criminal Code

www.celinehervieuxpayette.ca

 

Ottawa, November 20, 2021 – On this National Child Day, Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette is pleased to announce that the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is supporting Bill S-206, which is the Senator’s initiative to stop standard child-rearing violence by repealing section 43 of the Criminal Code.

In a letter dated June 13, 2014—now available on Senator Hervieux-Payette’s website[1] —the President of the CMA stated: “The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is writing to support your bill S-206, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children against standard child-rearing violence) […] Given the potential health consequences of child abuse, Canada’s physicians support your call to end standard child-rearing violence and encourage more nonviolent approaches to positive parenting.”

The CMA is a national association of physicians that advocates on behalf of its members and the public for access to high-quality health care. It also provides leadership and guidance to physicians.

The CMA has more than 80,000 members and represents the interests of both doctors and their patients on Parliament Hill, during federal election campaigns and in the media.

Section 43 of the Criminal Code is a 19th-century provision that allows parents to hit their children for the purpose of “correction.” Standard child-rearing violence harms children. It can cause physical injury and have negative psychological consequences. Bill S-206 would repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code and provide for a year-long campaign to raise parental awareness about positive approaches to discipline.

 

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Maximilien Depontailler 

Policy Advisor

Office of the Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette, PC

613-947-8008 – maximilien.depontailler@sen.parl.gc.ca



[1] www.celinehervieuxpayette.ca/en/causes-and-campaigns/against-ordinary-child-rearing-violence