TORONTO — A Liberal backbencher wants to eliminate the words 'mother' and 'father' from all Ontario government forms to "reflect the diverse nature" of families in the province.
Glenn Thibeault, a member of the provincial legislature for Sudbury, says 'gendered' terminology should be replaced with gender-neutral and inclusive language.
Thibeault's private member's motion, which is not binding on the government, is up for second reading debate, or approval in principle, later today.
The motion says gender specific words "including — but not limited to — mother and father" could be replaced with "parent or guardian" to better recognize the rights of LGBTQ parents.
Thibeault, who is a former New Democrat MP, says the government forms would only be changed with the more inclusive language as they are updated or replaced.
