Photo: CKRW file.
The Yukon NDP and other NDP leaders are coming together to urge the federal government to take action and protect children from legal physical punishment
YUKON – Yukon NDP and former superintendent for the Yukon Department of Education released a statement pushing the federal government to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code.
NDP MP Peter Julian accompanied Yukon NDP Leader Kate White and former superintendent for the Yukon Department of Education, Donna Miller-Fry, to urge the federal government to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code. The 43rd section allows the physical punishment of children in Canada.
Under some conditions, it is currently lawful for parents and legal representatives, teachers, and caretakers to physically assault children. NDP MP Julian has fought this by introducing Private Member’s Bill C-273 which would put a stop to such acts.
Julian introduced Bill C-273 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendation for action No.
6 asks for the removal of Criminal Code Section 43, which allows for physical punishment.
The Yukon NDP is using the disciplinary actions used at Jack Hulland Elementary in Whitehorse, where students were dragged to isolation cells where they were left alone for hours, however that investigation is still being conducted by the RCMP.
The Yukon Government say they aren’t being provided with more information because of the ongoing investigation, however, will be following up with individual families who have requested student records. The government continued to state they are working to provide families with as much information as possible in order for them to access supports.
