OUELLETTE RE-INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN PLAYING AMATEUR SPORTS

Oshawa MPP’s original bill died when McGuinty prorogued parliament

QUEEN’S PARK – Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette today in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario re-introduced a Bill that would protect children while playing in organized amateur sports in the province of Ontario.

The bill requires coaches, referees, managers and officials to be subject to criminal background checks in order to participate in organized amateur sports with children under 18 years of age.

Currently, there are no wide ranging provincial guidelines or regulations that require mandatory criminal background checks.

“As a parent and a minor hockey coach, I know that protecting our children from convicted offenders is a serious matter,” says Mr. Ouellette. “I feel it is important to bring this bill forward so that our children are protected to the best of our ability and feel secure when they are involved in valuable organized sports.”

Mr. Ouellette’s bill was previously before the Legislature but died on the Order Paper when Premier McGuinty recessed early in June and prorogued the session of Parliament. The bill had previously passed Second Reading on April 26, 2007 and all members who spoke in the legislature offered praise and support in moving the bill forward.

In addition, Mr. Ouellette had positive endorsements from provincial sporting associations, many of which are in the process of developing similar policies.

"I am pleased to work with the minor sports organizations and work together to make amateur sports safer for our children,” added Mr. Ouellette.