A motion introduced by Wildrose Leader Brian Jean to have judges and some lawyers in Alberta receive training on sexual assault advocacy passed with unanimous consent in the provincial legislature Friday.

Jean says the motion's passing is a "step in the right direction for survivours of sexual assault and doing away with outdated myths and stereotypes."

Airdrie MLA and Wildrose Shadow Justice Minister Angela Pitt was also very pleased with the motion's passing with unanimous support from all parties.

"This motion is an example of a really good idea, and I'm very proud to be a part of the motion today.  I was able to debate it which is wonderful.  It's a really good example of a really good idea and I'm glad that all of the members of the legislature were able to see that."

Pitt believes that the Justice Robin Camp episode, where Camp asked an alleged rape victim why she "couldn't just keep her knees together" was the beginning of Wildrose calls for more training.  "I think this brought a lot of the problems forward and in a way was a good thing because we were able to see that this was an issue and most certainly there is some room for training of sexual assault advocacy within our judiciary."

Now that the motion has been passed, Pitt says the power lies in the Minister of Justice's hands.  "Hopefully she will work together with the law society to implement a training program for judges and for lawyers that want to be judges.  We have no indication of any timelines.  Earlier this week the Justice Minister wasn't actually willing to support it, the motion even at that point, so I really hope there won't be any hesitancy as this was supported by all members of the legislature today.  We'll continue to pressure this government to actually make this law somehow."

 

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