Controversial changes to Nova Scotia's Child and Family Services Act have been held up for a second time.
Dalhousie law professor Rollie Thompson is a vocal critic of amendments to Nova Scotia's Child and Family Services Act.
“You don't need legislation to help people. You need legislation to take people to court and tell them what to do,” says Thompson.
Thompson along with several others spoke out against the changes in front of the law amendments committee two weeks ago, saying teachers, doctors, and family workers will have an expanded duty to report suspected abuse or neglect.
“What it means is that more children will come into care in Nova Scotia. More children will come into permanent care in Nova Scotia, more families will be investigated,” says Thompson.
Community services minister Joanne Bernard says plenty of consultation has been done since the bill was introduced last summer.
“We met with hundreds of people, and we met with organizations from every walk of life, we've had lots of submissions,” says Bernard.
Critics say the amended law makes the definition of neglect too broad, and unfairly targets families who are living in poverty.
“Your child can be found in need of protective services because a parent does not adequately provide food or shelter,” says NDP MLA Marian Mancini.
Monday, the opposition Progressive Conservatives and the NDP called for the bill to be shelved until more consultation can be done. They also tabled a motion to bring the amendments
“There is no need for panic. Children are well protected under the existing legislation,” says Mancini.
The amendments have now been sent back to the community services department for another round of consultation.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Ritchie
