Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose has introduced a private member's bill in the Commons that would require mandatory training for would-be judges on issues surrounding sexual assault.
If passed, the legislation, Bill C-337, would restrict eligibility for judicial appointments to those who have completed comprehensive sexual assault education.
It would require the Canadian Judicial Council to report on continuing education seminars in matters related to sexual assault law and amend the Criminal Code to require judges to provide written reasons in sexual assault rulings.
The bill says the training courses for lawyers seeking judgeships should include instruction in evidentiary prohibitions, principles of consent and the conduct of sexual assault proceedings.
They would also look at myths and stereotypes associated with sexual assault complainants.
Ambrose says she worked at a rape crisis centre while in university and knows that victims of sexual assault need support.