Bill 99: Garrett’s Legacy Act, An Act to Provide for Safety Measures Respecting Movable Soccer Goals

MPP Gallagher Murphy speaks to Bill 99 for the Standing Committee on Social Policy at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Hello everyone, first I would like to thank MPP Ric Breese of Hastings—Lennox and Addington for bringing forth this important Private Member’s Bill, an Act to provide for safety measures respecting movable soccer goals.

To my esteemed colleagues on this committee, thank you for your consideration of my constituent Ms. Jacqui Palm’s deputation today.

Children are supposed to enjoy the outdoors, play, and make use of public amenities like parks, fields, and soccer pitches. When these amenities, which are meant to bring joy, instead brings grief, we know that there is problem that needs to be addressed.    

By introducing this bill it will allow the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport to make regulations to ensure that movable goals,

  1. are located on level surfaces,
  2. are securely anchored in accordance with the regulations, and
  3. meet any prescribed requirements,

In addition, meets any education, training or other requirements that may be prescribed. 

With this type of legislation, these are steps that will move us to a more safe environment.

I must say I was astonished when I learned of an incident somewhat similar to young Garrett’s from Napanee, happened to a young Newmarket constituent, Jaime Palm, who was 15 years old, a young athlete, who was a blossoming soccer, field hockey, and volleyball team player. Jaime died when a soccer net fell over, and she was caught under the crossbar. I felt the pain that this incident caused the entire Palm family when I met with Ms. Palm. As the MPP for Newmarket-Aurora and as a mother, I was compelled to be here today to support Ms. Palm as this bill will indeed save lives.

Together we can protect the innocence of our youth and prevent any unnecessary grief in our families, in our communities, and across our province.”

To learn more about Bill 99, visit: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-99