Strengthen sentencing for child offences
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to amend the Criminal Code and related federal laws to strengthen sentencing and offender‑release provisions for serious offences against children and ensure laws reflect victims' lasting harm.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would increase penalties and tighten release rules, potentially enhancing child protection and prioritizing victims’ safety.
- Stronger sentencing may bolster public confidence that the justice system treats crimes against children with greater seriousness.
- Updating laws to reflect lasting harms could improve offender accountability and help deter future offences.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Stricter sentences and release restrictions may raise concerns about proportionality, judicial discretion, and Charter rights.
- Tougher laws alone may not improve outcomes without adequate resources for prevention, victim support and rehabilitation.
- Broader or poorly tailored changes could have unintended effects, like longer incarceration without rehabilitation or strained parole processes.
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 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.