Strengthen Sentencing for Child-Related Crimes

AI summary

Petitioners say crimes against children can cause lifelong physical, psychological and emotional harm and that protecting children should be a paramount priority for Canada’s criminal justice system. They call on the Government of Canada to review and amend the Criminal Code and related federal laws to strengthen sentencing for serious offences against children, to review offender release provisions to prioritize child protection and public safety, and to ensure federal law reflects the lasting harm to victims. This is a petition requesting legislative changes and does not constitute government policy or law.

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

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada Crimes committed against children can cause lifelong physical, psychological, and emotional harm to some of the most vulnerable members of Canadian society; The protection, safety, and well-being of children must remain a paramount priority within Canada’s criminal justice system; Many Canadians believe that sentencing and offender release provisions for serious offences committed against children should appropriately reflect the gravity of these crimes and strengthen public confidence in the justice system; and Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that federal criminal laws prioritize the protection of children and accountability for those who commit serious offences against them. We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Review and amend the Criminal Code and other applicable federal legislation to strengthen sentencing for serious offences committed against children, including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse material offences; 2. Review offender release provisions applicable to these offences to ensure the protection of children and public safety are primary considerations; and 3. Ensure federal legislation appropriately reflects the profound and lasting harm these offences cause to child victims. 1. Review and amend the Criminal Code and other applicable federal legislation to strengthen sentencing for serious offences committed against children, including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse material offences; 2. Review offender release provisions applicable to these offences to ensure the protection of children and public safety are primary considerations; and 3. Ensure federal legislation appropriately reflects the profound and lasting harm these offences cause to child victims.

Government response

No government response is available yet.