Poll shows support for Yorkton MP’s bill

Yorkton-Melville MP Cathay Wagantall is bolstered by the results of a poll that indicates there is widespread public support for her private member’s bill Cassie and Molly’s Law.

Wagantall tabled the bill that, if passed, would make it a criminal offence to harm or cause the death of an unborn child while committing an offence against the mother in February.

The Nanos poll, which was commissioned by Wagantall shows 70 per cent of respondents said they would support such legislation.

“It is encouraging to see clear support for Cassie and Molly’s Law,” Wagantall said. “Ultimately a comprehensive strategy to end violence against women must include many targeted initiatives and legal reforms, including new penalties for those who target pregnant women.”

The bill was inspired by the 2014 murder of Cassie Kaake, who was only weeks away from giving birth to her daughter, Molly. The bill would also codifies into law pregnancy as an aggravating factor for the purposes of sentencing.

“According to Statistics Canada, 63,000 pregnant women were victims of domestic violence between 2004 and 2009,” Wagantall said. “Cassie and Molly’s law will also send a clear message to criminals who use violence as a means to disrupt or end a woman’s pregnancy.”

Cassie and Molly’s Law has also been endorsed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, according to a press release.

Private member’s bills rarely make it into law, but Wagantall has said there is wide bi-partisan support for the bill.