The Senate will begin debate on Bill S-206 this week. The bill, sponsored by Senator Murray Sinclair, will repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code. It will protect the right of every child, as well as every adult, to not be hit by anyone. It is an important step in implementation of children’s right to be free from all forms of violence, as provided in Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of Children.
The CCRC Open Letter to Senate on Bill S-206 addresses a number of the issues involved and the importance of this step for children’s rights in Canada.