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Bill 213 - The Reporting of Suppports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault Act

 On  Thursday May 20,  I  spoke at 3rd reading on a bill put  forward by Amanda  Lathlin,  the  MLA for The  Pas-Kameesak, to ensure there are reports of the support  available for those whoh are victims of sexual assault in northern Manitoba. My comments (from Hansard) are below:

CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS–AMENDED PUBLIC BILLS

Bill 213–The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault Act
(Trained Health Professionals and Evidence Collection Kits)

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I'm glad to see that this important bill, sponsored by the member for The Pas-Kameesak, has passed committee with minor changes.

      Clearly, if we're to make improvements in Manitoba, one of the most important areas to address is the safety and well-being of Manitobans and, par­ticularly, women and girls. The deficit in people who are specialized in being able to examine and sup­port individuals who've been victims of sexual assault which is currently present in the North is–really needs attention badly, and I hope the govern­ment will move very quickly to make sure that all communities in the North have highly trained indi­viduals who can deal with sexual assaults, both in doing the appropriate testing and examination and in doing the appropriate follow-up and support.

      I thank the member for The Pas-Kameesak for her efforts and look forward to this becoming law. Thank you.

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