Supplied… QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP MPP Michael Mantha’s (Algoma-Manitoulin) Private Members Bill 142 Children’s Law Reform Amendment (Grandparents) passed second reading today, bringing it one step closer to being law. The bill directs Family Courts to consider granting grandparents access to their grandchildren as part of custody hearings, if it is in the best interest of the child.   “For many children, grandparents are a constant in their lives, offering wisdom, love and mentorship. They are an important tie that binds many families together,” said Mantha.   It is estimated that more than 75,000 grandparents in Ontario have been denied access to visiting or seeing their grandchildren, and over 112,000 grandchildren are suffering from the loss of contact with their grandparents.   “We want to ensure that grandparents are considered as a part of custody arrangements. Legislation like this currently exists in places like the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Nova Scotia. It is long overdue here in Ontario,” said Mantha.   This bill adds the word “grandparent” in the Children’s Law Reform Act, and ensures that grandparents can seek access to their grandchildren. There is still a responsibility when the grandparent makes an application to prove that it is in the best interests of the child.  Mantha’s bill will now move to committee to be examined.