The Ontario government is proposing changes to the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 that would require those convicted of impaired driving to pay ongoing child support if they kill a child’s parent or guardian.
Similar policies are being reviewed as examples, including in Texas where drivers convicted of “intoxication manslaughter” who have killed a child’s parent or guardian are required to pay support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school.
“When a drunk driver takes an innocent life, it imposes a life sentence on the family left behind, especially the children who are suddenly without a parent,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, in a recent news release.
"The Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 introduced a lifetime licence suspension for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death under the Criminal Code."
"MADD Canada works with those impacted by impaired driving every day, and we know the harsh reality families face because of someone else’s harmful choices," said Steve Sullivan, CEO, MADD Canada.
"We applaud the Ontario government for looking into additional measures that would hold offenders accountable and support victims—particularly minors—impacted by the loss of a guardian that was killed by a drunk driver."
The policy proposal is part of an upcoming legislative package designed to hold criminals accountable and support victims of crime, says the release.