Repeal 43

Tell your MP to support Bill C-273 and repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada

Physical punishment of children is still legal in Canada, even though more than sixty-five countries around the world have banned the practice.

We support the Private Member’s Bill C-273, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Corinne’s Quest and the protection of children). C-273 calls for the repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code that permits physical punishment of children in Canada:

Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada reads “every school teacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances. " R.S.C., 1985, c .C-4.

If this bill passes in Parliament, it will repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code and end the legal defence of physical punishment of children in Canada.

Send your MP a letter of support today.

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Dear [recipient position will go here] [recipient name will go here],

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I am writing to express my support for the passage of Bill C-273, put forward by MP Peter Julian, calling for the repeal of Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada. I believe that children are entitled to live in an environment free from physical punishment, violence, and fear.

There is no good reason for Canada to keep a legal defence that allows adults to “use force by way of correction” against children. There is extensive research demonstrating that physical punishment is harmful to children’s development and well-being, prompting 65 countries around the world so far to outlaw the physical punishment of children in all settings.

Canada must prioritize the protection and well-being of children, and pay attention to the research on the clear negative impacts of physical punishment on children’s development, while continuing to support parents in modifying their own behaviour to raise their children without using violence.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees all citizens’ rights to security of the person (Section 7) and equal protection of the law regardless of age (Section 15). It is past time to remedy this human rights violation and modify our laws to show children of all ages the same respect we expect them to show us.

When C-273 comes to the floor of the House, please speak in support of the bill and vote in favour to ensure children in Canada can live without the threat of physical punishment.

Sincerely,
[your name will go here]
[your email address will go here] [your location will go here]

Section 43 Violates Children’s Rights to Protection
Physical Punishment Is Linked to Broad and Enduring Personal and Societal Harm
Canada is Out of Step with International Developments
Section 43 Is Out of Step with Canadian Attitudes
The Supreme Court of Canada’s Ruling on Section 43 Is Inadequate

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