Criminal Code penalties for child offences
Petitioners ask the Government to review and strengthen the Criminal Code to impose strong penalties, including mandatory sentences, for violent sexual offences, repeat exploitation, large-scale distribution of child sexual abuse and trafficking of minors.
Why we would sign this petition
- Would increase penalties for the most serious offences against children, which supporters say could better protect victims and reflect the gravity of these crimes.
- Targets organized networks, large-scale distribution and repeat offenders, addressing sources the petition identifies as growing threats to children.
- Mandatory sentences could produce more consistent, predictable punishments and ensure serious accountability for repeat or egregious offenders.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Mandatory sentences can limit judicial discretion, preventing judges from considering individual circumstances and risking unfair or disproportionate outcomes.
- Stronger penalties do not by themselves guarantee reduced exploitation or trafficking; deterrence may be uncertain without complementary prevention and enforcement measures.
- Tougher penalties and increased prosecutions could require substantial resources and may divert attention from prevention, victim support, or rehabilitation.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; 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.