New Legislation will Protect Children, says MP Allen

November 27, 2009

OTTAWA – Tobique-Mactaquac MP Mike Allen applauds this week’s introduction of legislation to assist in the fight against sexual exploitation of children.

Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, introduced the legislation, which would require suppliers of Internet services to report Internet child pornography.

“It is so important that we protect our children,” stated Mr. Allen. “And, it is also imperative that child predators be prosecuted for their crimes.

“The proposed legislation would enhance our existing laws and help police and other agencies to identify perpetrators.”

The proposed Act would apply to suppliers of Internet services to the public, e.g. Internet access, electronic mail, content hosting and social networking sites. It would require them to:

• Report, to a designated agency, tips they receive regarding Web sites where child pornography may be available to the public; and
• Notify police and safeguard evidence if they believe that a child pornography offence has been committed using an Internet service that they provide.

Failure to comply with the duties under this Act would constitute an offence punishable by graduated fines: up to $1,000 for a first offence; $5,000 for a second offence; and for subsequent offences the possibility of a fine up to $10,000 or six months imprisonment; or both for sole proprietorships. If a corporation fails to comply with its duties under this Act, the graduated fine scheme would be up to $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000.

“The creation and distribution of child pornography are appalling crimes in which children are brutally victimized over and over again,” said Minister Nicholson.  “A mandatory reporting regime across Canada will strengthen our ability to protect our children from sexual predators and help police rescue these young victims, and prosecute the criminals responsible.”

In June 2009, the Government also introduced Bill C-46, the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act and Bill C-47, the Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act.  These proposed pieces of legislation would help ensure that law enforcement and national security agencies have the additional tools they need to fight crimes such as child pornography in today's high-tech environment.

For an online version of the legislation, visit www.parl.gc.ca.