Impaired drivers convicted in collisions that cause the death of a parent in Ontario may soon have to pay child support.
The provincial government announced on Tuesday it is developing new measures that would require the ongoing support be paid to the children of victims of fatal impaired driving crashes. The proposed new policy will be part of an upcoming legislative package aimed at better supporting victims of crime.
"No child should have to bear the weight of losing a parent to impaired driving," Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement. "The devastating impact reaches far beyond the immediate loss - it can leave children struggling emotionally and financially. That’s why our government is looking at practical solutions that can ease their burden in the wake of such tragedies and provide financial stability for children who are left behind."
The requirement would be added to the Safer Roads and Communities Act, 2024 which introduced a lifetime licence suspension for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death. It would also build on existing liabilities for impaired drivers, including the ability of victims’ families to sue in civil court.
MADD Canada is already throwing its support behind the proposed idea.
"We applaud the Ontario government for looking into additional measures that would hold offenders accountable and support victims - particularly minors -impacted by the loss of a guardian that was killed by a drunk driver," said MADD Canada CEO Steve Sullivan.
According to the provincial government, Ontario recorded 182 impaired driving deaths in 2021. Ninety-six of those were linked to drinking and driving and 86 were reportedly the result of drivers who had gotten behind the wheel after consuming drugs.
A similar child support requirement for impaired drivers has been in place in Texas since 2023. In that jurisdiction, drivers convicted of “intoxication manslaughter” who have killed a child’s parent or guardian pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school.
