Sherri Thomson Shares The Restitution Project with Prime Minister Mark Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the federal riding of Milton East-Halton Hills South yesterday while campaigning with local candidate Kristina Tesser Derksen. Sherri Thomson, co-founder of The Restitution Project had the opportunity to engage with both Mr. Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney and leave contact information with them relating to the organization's work. Bill S-261 was tabled when the election was called. Thomson hopes for an opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister about the bill and issues related to Non Disclosure Agreements along side other organizations in the future.

The Restitution Project is a national initiative that supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse who have been silenced by Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). The organization provides resources and advocacy to challenge the legal and cultural systems that prevent survivors from speaking out and seeking justice.

Federal Legislation: Bill S-261

The Restitution Project is actively supporting Bill S-261, the Can't Buy Silence Act, introduced by Senator Marilou McPhedran. The bill aims to regulate the use of NDAs in cases involving harassment, discrimination, or abuse within federal institutions. If passed, it would prevent NDAs from being used to conceal wrongdoing or to silence survivors of sexual violence.

Bill S-261 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process in the Senate. More information is available at: https://www.therestitutionproject.ca/bill-s-261

Why it matters

NDAs continue to be used across Canada to suppress disclosure of abuse, especially in institutional settings. The Restitution Project believes that federal regulation is a critical first step toward broader legislative reform — including civil remedies and enforcement mechanisms for survivors — and continues to call for all levels of government to act.