Strengthen Criminal Code penalties

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to review and strengthen the Criminal Code to impose stronger, consistent penalties, including mandatory minimums for the most serious child sexual-exploitation, trafficking, organized distribution, repeat and violent offences.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Children are among the most vulnerable members of Canadian society and deserve the highest level of protection from harm; Crimes involving the sexual exploitation, trafficking, or violent abuse of minors cause profound and lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological trauma; Canadians expect the justice system to respond firmly and consistently to the most serious offences committed against children; Organized networks that produce or distribute child sexual abuse material and exploit children online or through trafficking present a growing threat; Repeat offenders who target children pose a serious risk to public safety; and Most Canadians believe that severe crimes against children should carry meaningful and proportionate penalties that reflect the gravity of these offences and help deter future harm. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to Review and strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada to ensure strong and consistent penalties for the most serious offences involving the sexual exploitation or violent abuse of children. Consider legislative measures, including the use of mandatory sentences where appropriate, for the most heinous offences involving minors, such as: violent sexual assault against a child involving coercion or force; repeat offences involving child sexual exploitation; the production or large-scale distribution of child sexual abuse material, particularly where organized criminal networks are involved; human trafficking of minors for the purpose of sexual exploitation; Ensure that Canada's laws prioritize the protection, dignity, and safety of children and provide meaningful accountability for those who commit serious crimes against them.

Government response

No government response is available yet.