News Release

For Immediate Release
September 8, 2005

TORONTO — The following is a statement by the Hon. Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario, on the Arbitration Act, 1991:

The McGuinty government is firmly and completely committed to equality principles and women's rights as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Sandra Pupatello, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, and I have been reviewing a report by Marion Boyd, former Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, which examines family law arbitrations under the Arbitration Act, 1991.

Throughout we have been considering the views of and consulting with Ontarians and with MPPs on this issue, working especially closely with members of the Women's Caucus of the Government of Ontario.

We have heard loud and clear from those who are seeking greater protections for women. We must constantly move forward to eradicate discrimination, protect the vulnerable, and promote equality. As the Premier re-iterated this week, we will ensure that women's rights are fully protected. We are guided by the values and the rights enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We will ensure that the law of the land in Ontario is not compromised, that there will be no binding family arbitration in Ontario that uses a set of rules or laws that discriminate against women.

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