Charter Rights & Legislative Review Committee Update

Since our last update there has not been a lot of exciting legislative activity - although more is promised in the next few months which will keep the Charter Rights and Legislative Review Committee (CRLRC) very busy! Over the last few months the CRLRC has been working to update MARL's various policies and position papers. We have discussed a variety of hotly contested subjects which have led to interesting and exciting discussions. In particular, we have reviewed and made recommendations to the Board with respect to the ability of minors to make medical decisions. We engaged in this topic with the anticipation of the Supreme Court decision following an appeal of the Manitoba Court of Appeal decision of Director of Child and Family Services v. A.C. 2007 MBCA 9 (CanLII). Further, we have reviewed MARL's position on religious practices in schools. Over the next few months we hope to continue with our review of board policies and watch out for new legislation promised for the Spring - in particular the revisions to The Police Act.