This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to replace the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse and exploitation material” and makes consequential amendments to other Acts.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-291s:
C-291 (2021)
An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
C-291 (2016)
An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (genetically modified food)
C-291 (2011)
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (waiting period and maximum special benefits)
C-291 (2009)
An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (coming into force of sections 110, 111 and 171)
Votes
Feb. 1, 2023Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material)
Nov. 23, 2022Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse material)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-291 seeks to amend the Criminal Code and other acts by replacing the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse and exploitation material," aiming to more accurately reflect the crime and its impact on victims. The bill intends to clarify that such material is inherently abusive and non-consensual, and to assist in the healing process for victims by shifting the focus of blame to the abuser. The changes also allow for the fact that these types of crimes, especially those committed online, are on the rise.
Conservative
Supports bill C-291: The Conservative party strongly supports Bill C-291, which aims to amend the Criminal Code by changing the term "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse and exploitation material." Members believe this change is a meaningful step in addressing the growing problem of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Canada and will increase clarity and precision in the legal framework.
Words and definitions matter: Members emphasized that using precise language in legislation is crucial for setting clear boundaries and parameters. They believe that changing the terminology will affect how society sees and categorizes the abuse perpetrated against children and unite efforts to combat it.
Protecting vulnerable children: The Conservatives view this bill as a significant step in protecting vulnerable boys and girls in Canada. They believe it will strengthen laws to protect children from all forms of abuse and potentially save lives by recognizing that the material is not consensual and causes lifelong damage.
NDP
Supports Bill C-291: The NDP will be supporting Bill C-291, regarding child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The member accepts the good intentions of the bill's author and sponsor.
Broadening the definition: The bill broadens the definition of child sexual abuse and exploitation material to facilitate prosecutions, removing any implication of consent when children are involved.
Need for more resources: The member hopes the sponsors and supporters of the bill will also support additional resources for enforcement and support for survivors of these crimes.
Hopes for quick passage: The member agrees to keep speeches short and to limit the number to ensure the bill passes quickly.
Bloc
Supports Bill C-291: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-291, which replaces the term 'child pornography' with 'child sexual abuse and exploitation material' in the Criminal Code. They believe this change is essential because it more accurately reflects the nature of the crime and helps victims in their healing process by shifting blame to the abuser.
Importance of terminology: The Bloc emphasizes that words carry weight, particularly in the context of child sexual abuse. They highlight the ambiguity associated with the term 'pornography' and argue that using 'child sexual abuse material' more clearly defines the crime and its impact on victims.
Victim's healing process: Bloc members stress the importance of ensuring that victims do not feel responsible for the abuse. They believe that using the term 'child sexual abuse' helps victims understand that the blame lies with the abuser, which is crucial for their healing.
Need for judicial training: The Bloc also underscores the need for ongoing training for judges, particularly in sexual assault law, to prevent insensitive or biased handling of cases. They cite past incidents where judges made inappropriate comments or relied on stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of judicial education to ensure fair and just outcomes.
Liberal
Supports amending the Criminal Code: The Liberal Party supports Bill C-291, which amends the Criminal Code to address child sexual abuse material. They worked collaboratively with members from other parties to get the bill through the House and committee stages.
Change needed due to rise: Liberals emphasize the importance of fighting child sexual exploitation, noting a significant increase in online offenses against children, especially during the pandemic. They also support measures to assist victims.
Renaming is an important step: The bill changes the term 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse and exploitation material'. This update aims to capture the full scope of Canada's law and align with international trends, while also ensuring that current legal proceedings are not disrupted by the change in terminology.
Working with provinces: The legislation includes a one-year coming-into-force provision to allow provinces and territories time to adapt their legislation and administrative systems to the new terminology. The federal government sees this as an important responsibility.
Pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, 2022, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C‑291 under Private Members' Business.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
