Ambrose bill to make judges take classes on sex assault law fast-tracked
OTTAWA — The House of Commons has unanimously agreed to fast-track a bill introduced by interim Tory leader Rona Ambrose that would require would-be judges to take courses in sexual assault law.
The Commons has accepted a motion from NDP Leader Tom Mulcair to bypass the usual second-reading debate and send the legislation straight to committee.
The bill, C-377, would restrict eligibility for an appointment to the bench to candidates who have completed comprehensive sexual assault education.
It would also require the Canadian Judicial Council to report on continuing education seminars in matters related to sexual assault law and change the Criminal Code to require courts to provide written reasons in sexual assault decisions.