Published by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette on 20 November 2009
It has long been debated what role the state should play in lives of Canadians. Through these different debates it has become clear that the state has a moral obligation to assist all citizens. In particular, this obligation to defend the rights of our citizens must strongly take into consideration those who are the most fragile members of society such as our children.
There exists substantial scientific proof that children between the ages of 2-12 years of age are in a critical period of development that will impact the adults they will become in the future. For this reason we must rethink our interpretation of the ways our society deems acceptable to raise a child in order for him or her to develop to their full potential.
Parents are not sovereign in the manner that they may treat a child, a spouse or a family member. Children are human beings who are entitled to the same rights as their parents. These rights include life, liberty and more importantly physical integrity.
The recent consciousness made regarding the new roles parents must lead must be further examined by society. As a result of this consciousness surrounding this situation, I felt that it was important to use my role as a legislator to propose amendments to the traditional way in which parents raise their children. The bill that I have proposed against child rearing violence, Bill S-209, will never criminalize parents, rather this bill will help parents find non violent educational methods. For this reason, Bill S-209 includes an obligatory awareness campaign.
Religious values such as education, forgiveness, respect and compassion must be used to create a more harmonious society. These values are represented in Bill S-209 and must reflect a modern vision of our children in society.
We must also take advantage of adopting Bill S-209 because November 20th 2009, marks the 20th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Canada was a signatory member of this convention and is lacking in the area of protecting children from the threat of educative violence. The time is more pressing than ever to demonstrate not only to the international community that Canada is consistent with its reputation regarding human rights but also to prove to our children that Canada is a country that will ensure that they are able to develop to the fullest of their potential.
Canada has learned many things about Children’s Rights from other countries who have adopted laws similar to the Bill that I am proposing. These countries have effectively legislated such behavior without compromising the rights of parents to educate their children in a positive manner.
The parent child relationship in Canada must change; Bill S-209 must be used as a stepping stone to further protect the rights of children. In order to have a harmonious society we need educational methods that are pacific. We must never forget that the children of today will be the parents of tomorrow. It is now more important than ever to ensure that the adults of today teach the acts which they hope their children will one day reproduce.