Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill 4 be amended by adding the following immediately after the title, Children's Law Act.
WHEREAS, it is desirable to confirm the status of children within their families whether they are born inside or outside of marriage or are adopted;
AND WHEREAS, it is desirable to provide for the recognition in law of the parentage of a child;
AND WHEREAS, it is desirable to provide for the mutual obligations of parents to care for and support their children, whether or not the parents cohabit;
AND WHEREAS, it is recognized that decisions concerning the custody and access to children, and the guardianship of the estates of children, should be made in accordance with the best interests of children, with a recognition that differing cultural values and practices must be respected in those determinations;
AND WHEREAS, it is desirable to provide in law for the timely and orderly settlement of the affairs in respect of a child and to avoid a multiplicity of proceedings in relation to the affairs of a child.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.