QP - Restrict use of non-disclosure agreements

CLAUDIA CHENDER : For years, survivors have been clear: We need to restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault and harassment cases. These agreements protect perpetrators. Other provinces, states, institutions, and countries are moving forward, while this government has stood still for five years and four Justice Ministers - while this government, which initially promised to protect victims, has once again broken a promise.

When asked, the three previous Justice Ministers all dodged and delayed supporting the women of this province.

I'd like to ask the current Minister of Justice if he can finally answer the question: When will this government ban the use of non-disclosure agreements?

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG : Supporting survivors with sensitivity and respect remains our priority. Non-disclosure agreements should never be used to silence victims. The Uniform Law Conference of Canada is considering the issue of NDAs. They are now developing model legislation, expected later this year. As soon as that model legislation is released, the department will review that model legislation, and we'll bring back something sometime after that.

CLAUDIA CHENDER : Years ago, 91 percent of members of the Canadian Bar Association said that we should do this. This government did its own jurisdictional scan. Women have come to this Legislature and told their stories. They have talked about how NDAs silenced them, taking away their right to speak about their own experiences, even to their family or a therapist. Wendy Carroll and Erin Casey, who were both released from the NDAs this year, told their story again today on CBC Radio. The news is full of terrible men doing terrible things, and NDAs are the main tool used to keep victims silent and abusers at large. More survivors are pushed into signing these agreements while this government delays.

When will this government take these concerns seriously and act?

SCOTT ARMSTRONG  : We, too, take this very seriously. As I said, no victims should be unable to tell their story and be silenced because of NDAs. We continue to stay connected to national conversations on this issue, including discussions with other provinces. As dialogue around NDAs and victim protection continues to evolve, we will work with other provinces to bring back legislation so that we have consistency across this country when dealing with NDAs.