NAWL Testifies Before the National Assembly of Québec

On March 20th, 2025, Suzanne Zaccour, Director of Legal Affairs at the National Association of Women and the Law, testified before the National Assembly of Québec’s Committee on Institutions regarding Bill 91, which proposes the creation of a Unified Family Court within the Court of Québec.

In her testimony, she raised NAWL’s deep concerns about the risks mandatory family mediation poses to victims of domestic violence:

1. Victims may be forced into mediation with their abuser, compromising their safety and that of their children.
2. While victims can request an exemption from mediation with their abuser, there is no guarantee it will be granted.
3. Myths and stereotypes in family law may lead to victims not being believed, and they could even be penalized by having to pay their abuser’s legal costs.

NAWL is proud to have brought a strong feminist voice to the Committee and hope our concerns will be heard. We remain steadfast in defending the rights of women and children.

Read our brief on Bill 91 here (in French only)