Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Justice. In our jurisdiction we do not have any legislation in respect to protection of women when it comes to the area of divorces. Women sometimes help their spouses build up businesses, and there is basically no protection that allows them a 50 per cent settlement made in their favour. I would like to know if the Minister of Justice will consider formulating legislation to ensure that women are protected and recognized when they assist their spouses in building businesses or whatever, and do it basically by working; or sometimes spouses live on the women's salaries, and when their businesses come to fruition and divorces are in process, there is currently nothing to protect the interests of the women. Would it be possible for this type of legislation to be considered for women to fall back on in the event of a divorce case.
Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
In the Legislative Assembly on December 10th, 1991. See this topic in context.
Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 32
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 32
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
Minister of Justice, Mr. Patterson.
Return To Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 32
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure the honourable Member knows that the Minister of Justice previous to myself had commissioned a review of what are called "gender equality issues" relating to the justice
system. There is a special advisor to the Minister of Justice now doing extensive public consultation before submitting recommendations to the government on how women can be treated more fairly in all aspects of the justice system. I do expect that this very issue that the honourable Member has raised will undoubtedly be the subject of recommendations of the special advisor in this very important area of matrimonial property.
However, Mr. Speaker, to answer the Member's question shortly, succinctly, yes, I will be open to considering whether our legislation can be improved or new legislation can be developed to meet the concerns expressed by the honourable Member; and I will rely on advice that I expect to receive from the special advisor on gender equality on that issue.
Return To Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Question O31-12(1): Legislation To Protect Women In Divorce Cases
Item 5: Oral Questions
December 9th, 1991
Page 33
The Speaker Michael Ballantyne
The time allotted for question period has expired. We will go on to Item 6, written questions.
Item 7, returns to written questions.
Item 8, replies to Opening Address.
Item 9, petitions. Item 10, reports of standing and special committees. Mr. Koe.