MP Vellacott’s equal, shared parenting bill ruled “voteable” by House of Commons committee

For Immediate Release February 11, 2014

OTTAWA – MP Maurice Vellacott just got word this morning that his equal, shared parenting bill, C-560, will be allowed to be voted on at second reading and thereafter.

In view of public support and the diligent work done in crafting this bill by numerous groups and lawyers, Vellacott is optimistic that the federal Divorce Act can be amended for the sake of the children involved. Bill C-560 amends the Divorce Act to make equal shared parenting a rebuttable presumption in cases of marital breakup involving children, except in cases of proven abuse or neglect.

Aside from proven abuse or neglect, over three quarters of Canadians want equal shared parenting to be the presumption in our courts when marriages unfortunately break down. Polling has shown that 78% of Canadians support equal shared parenting, with a high of 86% support in the province of Quebec. More women than men support equal shared parenting, at 78.3%. Among supporters of major political parties, about 78% of Conservatives support equal shared parenting, 76% of the NDP and 80% of Liberals.

“This bill is very important in bringing Canadian legislation in line with what the best research says about the best interests of children,” said Vellacott. With limited exceptions, children generally demonstrate superior outcomes when both parents – mom AND dad – are actively involved in their children's lives, even if the parents divorce or separate.

This bill also reflects the spirit of recommendations made over 14 years ago in a Joint House-Senate committee report presented to Parliament entitled “For the Sake of the Children.”

This fight isn't over yet, and people who support this bill need to contact their MP's and tell them that this is important to them. http://www.parl.gc.ca/parliamentarians/en/members[1]

Link to the proposed legislation changes: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6375891&File=4[2]