On Monday, MLAs voted to support Bill 204, which would allow tenants impacted by domestic violence to break a lease early without facing financial penalties. The bill is the brainchild of Deborah Drever, the independent MLA for Calgary-Bow.
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“I commend Ms. Drever for her commitment to survivors of domestic violence, “Shannon Phillips, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, said in a release. “Bill 204 will help ensure that survivors of domestic violence are safe and have the supports they need to maintain their independence.”In January, Service Alberta will consult with landlords, tenants and women’s organizations in order to draft specific regulations before the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected to occur in late 2016.
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Bill 204 caught the attention of many Albertans earlier this month, when Maria Fitzpatrick, the MLA for Lethbridge East, spoke passionately about her own harrowing experience with domestic violence.
WATCH: Lethbridge East MLA shares horrific story of domestic abuse
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