“Complete disrespect to survivors”: Conservatives quash debate on NDP’s sexual assault justice bill

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) released the following statement as Ford’s Conservatives quash debate on upcoming sexual assault justice bill:

“This is complete disrespect to the hundreds of survivors and advocates we are expecting in attendance at Queen’s Park tomorrow for this incredibly important debate.

This bill will introduce measures to help the survivors of sexual assault seek justice. And the PCs don’t want to hear it? If they think they can silence the voices of survivors – they need to think again.”

MPP Fife tabled ‘Lydia’s Law’ on April 18, and was set to debate it on May 15, with hundreds of survivors at Queen’s Park in attendance, including the parents of the young woman who inspired the bill. Killing debate is an extremely unusual step – even for Ford’s Conservatives.

A press conference will be held at Queen's Park tomorrow at 9:30. You can watch live here.