Discussion · Government Orders
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Québécois
“We support this bill. We tried to change it so it would be easier for victims of stalking to prove abuse, but the Liberals rejected that change. I want to know what the minister thinks about this missed opportunity.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her ongoing commitment to gender equality in the House. Consistent with the intent of the bill, the Bloc Québécois supported it and also proposed amendments in committee, in a spirit of collaborative development. However, the Liberals, who now have a majority, rejected one that I think is crucial. I would like to hear the minister’s thoughts on this matter. It was recognized that stalking is part of a pattern of coercive behaviour that must be assessed as a whole. This amendment would have somewhat shifted the burden of proof, which essentially rests with the victim. We have therefore missed an opportunity to make it easier for a woman to file a complaint and defend herself. What does the minister think?”
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her ongoing commitment to gender equality in the House. Consistent with the intent of the bill, the Bloc Québécois supported it and also proposed amendments in committee, in a spirit of collaborative development. However, the Liberals, who now have a majority, rejected one that I think is crucial. I would like to hear the minister’s thoughts on this matter. It was recognized that stalking is part of a pattern of coercive behaviour that must be assessed as a whole. This amendment would have somewhat shifted the burden of proof, which essentially rests with the victim. We have therefore missed an opportunity to make it easier for a woman to file a complaint and defend herself. What does the minister think?