While the federal decree on emergency measures no longer allows parents to bring children to illegal gatherings, in Quebec, the DPJ considers that a child at a demonstration is not a reason for intervention.
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In Quebec, where the government does not intend to take advantage of the provisions of the Emergency Measures Act, it is believed that the presence of children in places where demonstrations are taking place does not contravene the Act respecting the protection of the youth.
“Bringing a child to a demonstration cannot alone be a criterion which determines whether the safety and development of a child are compromised”, replied Marie-Claude Lacasse, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. and Social Services.
The latter adds, however, that a child who participates in a demonstration could be the subject of a report.
Valérie Assouline, a lawyer specializing in youth and family law, believes that the situation is different in Ontario, where the demonstration in Ottawa continues.
“Bringing [un enfant à une manifestation]it does not compromise [la sécurité]. The fact that they remain confined for 17 days, there is a risk, ”she argued.
According to her, the Youth Protection Services of Ontario have the tools in hand to manage the situation.
Not for children
In an interview with LCN, Régine Laurent, president of the Special Commission on Children’s Rights and Youth Protection, said she was surprised yesterday to see children in strollers in the Ottawa demonstration.
“The smell of gas all the time, horns honked 24 hours a day until there’s a court order, bullying by adults, foul language: no one will ever make me believe this It’s in the best interests of the child,” she insists.
— With the collaboration of Francis Pilon