Legislation against corporal punishment of children in Canada

I recently visited Ottawa, the capital of Canada, to further the progress of legislation against corporal punishment of children.

I met with Natasha and Jane who assist Senator Murray Sinclair who is renowned for his work as former Chair of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He is sponsoring a bill to this end.

I met also met with Ron Ensom, former coordinator of the child protection program at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. It was super to share and learn from one another. Along with Joan Durrant, Ron has been a stalwart in the campaign for equal protection.

I also took the opportunity to meet H.E. Ambassador Jim Kelly.  It was great to have an opportunity to share my work in Canada to further their child protection laws and to gain useful insights from the Irish Ambassador to Canada. I am always proud of Ireland’s team abroad and none more so than Jim.

Finally, I also took the opportunity to visit the House of the Senate and the House of Commons. It is always interesting to see and learn the legislative process in other countries.

Jillian van Turnhout awarded European Medal of Service by WAGGGS

Jillian van Turnhout was awarded a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Europe Region medal of service in recognition of her outstanding service to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting at European level. She was thanked for bringing purpose and meaning to Regional planning and praised for her “generous and inclusive leadership” and for her “vision, intelligence and deep commitment”.