(Ottawa) - While many will feel that today’s vote in the House of Commons of whether the question of the definition of marriage should be reopened or not, will draw this issue to a close, the definition of marriage is really only a small part of a much larger question that requires our attention. Of greater import is how Canadians view the institution of family, that cornerstone of society and in turn how we can strengthen it.
“The debate around the definition of marriage has really only opened up the subject of the Canadian family in society today. If we value a strong family – and I trust that we do – we must determine what we doing right and how can we make the family stronger,” stated Dave Quist, Executive Director of the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada.
Social policy cannot be determined by legislation alone. Social science researchers have learned a great deal in the past number of years, yet many of the decisions are not reflecting or taking into account what has been learned.
“I would urge the Federal Government to initiate a Royal Commission on the Future of the Family that draws on the family, social and hard science experts in order to set out a course of action that will result in strong positive family policy that will carry us through to the end of the 21st Century” continued Quist. “Without an educated and informed plan, the institution of family will be eroded, resulting in dire consequences for all of us.”
For additional information or comment, please contact: Dave Quist, Executive Director at 613-565-3832.