Truth Reconciliation Commission and the Liberal Government

recommendations: Section 43 of the Criminal Code gives parents and teachers a legal defence when they physically discipline children, most often seen as legalizing spanking, according to Huffington Post Canada. Removing the section was one of the 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that examined the legacy of Canada residential schools, including rampant abuse. It would also affect many immigrant and minority parents caught in a legal haze when it comes to child-rearing. The Liberal government has committed to implementing all of the recommendations. "Should Parliament address this issue Absolutely." Defining what crosses the line between spanking and abuse is not always easy and has raised critiques for years that Parliament should review the provision and either rewrite it, or do away with it. "Should Parliament address this issue Absolutely. Spanking is accepted parenting in some cultural and immigrant groups, many of whom are already disproportionately targeted in criminal proceedings. Should it have a simple blanket repeal that could expose parents in many situations to criminal prosecutions for very minor touching, or conduct that is not clearly proven to be harmful I would say no, but that not to say that we don't need action in this area,'' said Nick Bala, a law professor from Queen University in Kingston, Ont. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.