Bill That Would Ban Using ‘Reasonable Force’ to Discipline Kids Puts Teachers at Risk of Assault Charges: Teachers Union

Teacher unions have expressed opposition to a proposed piece of legislation that would ban “reasonable force” to discipline children, saying that any physical interaction from teachers could lead to assault charges. President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Heidi Yetman told the House of Commons Justice Committee April 15 she is fearful the proposed reforms made by the NDP would put teachers at risk of criminal charges and make classrooms less safe. “Teachers need to be able to physically intervene in certain classroom situations,” Ms. Yetman said, as first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter. “This is the reality.” Bill C-273, if passed, would amend the Canada Criminal Code by repealing a provision that allows for the correction of children by force if certain parameters are met. The bill passed second reading in the House of Commons in February and is currently being studied at committee....