Fate of private member’s bill to amend Divorce Act still not clear

The government is indicating it's open to supporting elements of a private member’s bill to amend the Divorce Act, though it’s not clear what the bill ultimately will look like.

Women’s groups warned last week that it appeared the Liberal government had changed its mind and the bill, currently in front of a House of Commons committee, could be killed.

Bill C-223, introduced by Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner, would amend the Divorce Act to curb parental alienation claims, among other changes.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said Wednesday he is optimistic about the bill but the government wants to see some amendments.

He said the government is concerned about the bill's possible effect on judicial discretion.

Hepfner told reporters there are elements of the bill that are more controversial than others, but declined to say which elements could be removed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

By Anja Karadeglija | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.