., hour” | Parents attack Infants Act | Meeting sponsored by Catholic Women’s League A GROUP of parents who met recently to discuss the provincial government’s Infants Act claim the new legisla- tion undermines the role of parents. Approximately 20 concerned parents attended 4 Thursday, June 10, meeting in West Vancouver, The Meeting was sponsored by the Catholic Women’s League. Group spokesman, Suzanne Latta, of West Vancouver, said the act was introduced and became Jaw at the beginning of the year without the public and members of the Liberal party op- position being aware of the initia- tive’s consequences. . “¥ find it remarkable how the government has intruded on fami- ly life,” said Latta. “Parents have no right to be informed (about the medical treatment of their children),’’ she said. ’ The Infants Act children and teenagers to age 19, According to. the act, health- applies to. By Anna Marie D’Angelo News Reporter care providers are not required to inform parents about such things as a daughter’s unwanted pregnancy, abortion arrangements or HIV infections. Latta said health-care providers may include school counsellors, nurses and doctors. North Vancouver Lonsdale NDP MLA David Schreck said Latta and other parents who have concerns about the Infants Act do not take into consideration that informed consent is required for medical treatment. He said it was doubtful that heaith-care workers would risk the consequences of receiving in- formed consent from an immature Courts must educate public on legal system, says judge THE JUSTICE system is user-friendly, but the public has to become more aware of how it works and why it exists, according to North Vancouver resident and chief judge of the provincial court William J. Diebolt. Diebolt said people within the system should educate those on the outside. “Our job is to make what we do more easily understood by the public,’’ he said. _. The system was recently put on display at the North Vancouver courthouse during Law Day. The event included exhibits, booths, tours, guest speakers and mock trails. ‘. Diebolt said the need to educate the public is increased by a popu- lation that includes many new. ’ Canadians. New Canadians, he said, need _ to know that the Law Courts < Education Society exists as a . resource to understand the system. The Law Society and the Cana- dian Bar Association have lawyer referral programs. “They have ways of offering to the public, communication with _ the legat profession. That allows people, for example, a free half- interview to see. if they should see a lawyer,’’ he said. : oa .ae a 2d ae *t860 ae Be 7 N Bstee S Soro. S| 2a ae eof aan er od ec er,% ee | eed eaov g 7% o¢ oe, ae ae eo a, “et Mae oa,8 9%,% Vrs g VV oO ~ Longest day —(5)” of the year Sale Monday June 21st, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 7-10 a.m. All fabric 10-75% off (excluding solids & furs) Omnigrid rulers © Boards ° Cutters 25% off SELECTED FABRICS 2° m Il! 10 aim. - 11 p.m. Selected fabrics 20-75% off 7 p.m.- 11 pm, Books 20% off SPECIAL BARGAINS All day — Pillows and Batts 20% off Cross stitch Patterns and Fabric 60% off Enter our draw to win a $50 gift certificate !!! The Cloth Shop 4c A415 West 10th, Vancouver ° Pans a oe,e eerests By Kevin Gillies Contributing Writer Societal changes have forced the legal system to learn more about the public as weil. ‘*Well, we do have a multicultural society and that’s a fact. Our (Judicial Council’s) response to that has been to try and address those various cultures and the diversity of our society, the mosaic of our society. “*We’ve addressed that, in part, by judicial training. One of the ways is to do what we call sensi- tivity training for our aboriginal peoples, multiculturalism and rac- ism,’’ he said. Diebolt, as chief judge, heads the Judicial Council which is tesponsible for screening new judges before they are appointed. The council also, when neces- sary, sits as a body that can recommend to the Attorney Gen- eral the removal of a judge or justice of the peace. 2a wwe 02 Oe ee ve g oa,as Be weg 2e,a% ee ve ae g OF es Stss € eo eee eos S22 Bd aa ow aa 8 de 78 aoe °ve wow ee" aa o@ earn weer @ person such as a teenager. For that reason, Schreck said parents would be contacted in serious medical situations involv- ing their children, He said the Infants Act helps teenage street kids who have no parental guidance. “The government has not iden- tified anything that needs to be changed in the Infants Act,” said 3 Schreck. The Citizens Research Institute, a group of parents, recently lost a B.C. Supreme Court challenge to the Infants Act. The group argued that parents pay for their children’s medical care premiums, and so, parents should be informed about their children’s care. The Citizens Research Institute is attempting to raise $50,000 to fund an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, said Latta. The meeting was held at St. Anthony’s School gymnasium. S Friday, June 18, 1993 — North Shore News - 13 ——e——ee_——e 2 for 1 DINNER SPECIAL (Clip this ad for up to $14.95 value) Offer valid Monday to Thursday only BRIDGE HOUSE, 650 Capilano Road North Vancouver UNDAY SPECIAL Prime Rib or Roast leg of Lamb $11.95 For reservations call 987-3388 Not vatid with any other offer CR? ae) For his eyes only! What a bargain! 100% U.V. protection, dozens of styles and a new shipment! Other models on sale Happy feet for Dai! Lightweight, superior protection and support for hiking, bikingand _. gardening! &: Hi-Tec Mt. Diablo | Light up his life! A cherished gift that will last a lifetime. Practical, functional and incredibly well made! 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