Nova Scotia Makes Progress on Criminal Code Changes

After meetings in Ottawa today, April 24, Justice Minister Ross Landry said that Criminal Code changes are firmly on the agenda to address distributing harmful images without consent.

Mr. Landry met today with Federal Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for justice, the leader of the opposition and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

"This is an issue that's affecting many young people and indeed all Canadians – the distribution of harmful images without consent," said Mr. Landry. "Today, I met with my federal colleague, and most of my provincial and territorial counterparts, to pursue an immediate change to the Criminal Code."

Mr. Landry pressed for an immediate amendment to the Criminal Code that proposes the federal government create a new section for distributing intimate images without consent.

"This change has gotten approval from all of my provincial colleagues, who I've spoken to in the last number of days and during our meetings today," said Mr. Landry. "I had a good discussion with Mr. Nicholson about the need to have this change made into law before Parliament rises for the summer, as a stand-alone change to the code."

Mr. Landry also asked that the Cybercrime Working Group, a group of federal-provincial-territorial experts, provide recommendations, including additional legislative options, to deputies by June, so ministers can act on them this fall.

"I committed to the family of Rehtaeh Parsons that I would bring these issues forward," After today, it's clear that we all want to ensure that cyberbullies can, and will, be held accountable for their actions. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with my federal, provincial and territorial colleagues on this important issue."

Mr. Landry also raised the Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh case with Mr. Nicholson. Specifically, Mr. Landry requested that the federal government also consider options to review the matter, including a federal public inquiry. The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service and the RCMP are currently reviewing their actions and will provide information to the Mr. Landry within a few weeks.