KEVIN
AND JARED’S LAW SECURES ALL PARTY SUPPORT AND PASSAGE
For
Immediate Release
September 26, 2006
Toronto:____________________
Long time victims’ rights advocate Burlington MPP Cam Jackson confirmed today that in a rare display of non partisan unity, Kevin and Jared’s Law (Bill 89) received all party support and was passed by a special vote by the Legislature of Ontario.
The Bill was named in honour of two young boys who died at the hands of their fathers’ who had gained access to them following a family court order issued despite a history of abuse. The Bill emphasizes accountability in institutional decision making by obligating the CAS reporting of the death of a child to the Coroner’s Office in such circumstances with a mandatory inquest thereafter. Uniquely in Canada, the Bill will now permit a crime victim’s family granted standing at a Coroner’s Inquest to seek funding for independent counsel from the Province’s Victims’ Justice Fund.
Jackson drafted the Bill and led the effort to secure support and passage of it following his meetings with and support of Kevin and Jared’s families.
“The Latimer and Craven families were determined to see changes resulting from the senseless and tragic deaths of these two boys. Ontario’s children will be now better protected because of their dedication” Jackson noted.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Julie Craven and Jenny Latimer noted, “We are grateful to the Members of the Ontario Legislature who passed Bill 89 today and we now call on the McGuinty Government to speedily proclaim it in force without further delay.”
Kevin’s grandmother Marjorie expressed her relief and appreciation for today’s accomplishment which caps a two year long struggle of the family.
“ We also want
to thank one person in particular whose tireless efforts led to the
creation and passage of the Bill. From the outset, Cam Jackson has been
there for us. He never gave up. When others said there was nothing that
could be done, Cam always found a way to keep the dream of Kevin and
Jared’s Law alive. He is a true champion of people who need help,
especially crime victims, and we’ve come to understand that he embodies
what is best about politics and public service.”
Expedited proclamation of the Bill by the Government will mean that Julie Craven will be the first Ontario crime victim to be eligible for funded counsel from the Victim’s Justice Fund at an inquest that includes the death of a crime victim.
Victim advocates have also added their support for the passage of Kevin and Jared’s Law.
“These are very
important child safety reforms that send the clear message that in
Ontario, kids’ safety comes first. We salute the Latimer and Craven
families, MPPs and Cam for this decisive action.” Sharon
Rosenfeldt Former Office for Victims of Crime Chair and President of
Victims of Violence.
“Cam Jackson
has been an advocate for crime victims for over twenty years. He is the
author of Ontario’s Victim’s Bill of Rights and the special Victim’s
Justice Fund which he fought for years to make a reality. With Bill 89 he
continues to find ways to improve circumstances for crime victims. This
Bill dramatically enforces systemic accountability through mandatory
inquests and, at long last, will give victims a strengthened voice by
permitting them to participate fully in inquests through funded
counsel.” John Muise- Director of Public Safety- Canadian Center
for Abuse Awareness
The Bill will be proclaimed in force in the near future at a date to be determined by the Government.
For
More Information Contact:
Cam
Jackson, MPP Burlington
416-325-5362
905-639-7924
Enclosure
