My petition is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies intimate-partner violence as a major global public health concern, as it affects millions of people and can result in immediate and long-lasting health, social and economic consequences; and

“Whereas other Canadian provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have passed legislation on the disclosure of intimate-partner violence history, to protect its citizens from domestic violence; and

“Whereas the disclosure mechanisms outlined in Clare’s Law would be an additional tool for police services to prevent intimate-partner violence; and

“Whereas over 43,786 people, as of April 19, 2023, have signed the petition ‘Justice for Bobbi: Adopt Clare’s Law in Ontario’ on change.org; and

“Whereas people at risk of potential harm have the right to be informed of their intimate partner’s violent past—if the partner was a repeat offender of domestic violence;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“To urge the government of Ontario to adopt mechanisms for disclosure outlined in Clare’s Law—whereby information relating to intimate-partner-violence convictions can be used to assess the risk of and prevent harm from intimate-partner violence.”

I wholeheartedly agree with this petition—I look forward to the debate tomorrow—and I will sign my name to it.

Thank you to the member opposite for the question.

Gender-based violence has been an issue that is increasingly guiding our spotlight. The justice system understands the impacts that it has, not only for the victim but for the families, and the need to make sure that the judiciary has access to the training that will allow them to weigh these situations in a way that is balanced and even-handed and that addresses the root causes and protects the family. That is the main thrust behind these training initiatives—but you have to appreciate that the judiciary is independent, so offering these systems and training for them is something that they will take.