News release

Mandatory Reporting of Child Pornography

Justice

Nova Scotians will be required to report suspected child pornography to help reduce the sexual exploitation of children under legislation the government introduced today, Oct. 30.

As part of its commitment to make Nova Scotia communities safer, the provincial government will require anyone who encounters child pornography material or recordings to report it to the police.

"This is child abuse and will not be tolerated," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "Nova Scotians have a responsibility to report suspected cases and with so many people using computers all citizens need to be on the lookout."

The new law also protects citizens who report child pornography from retaliation they could suffer. For example, an employee who located child pornography in the workplace cannot be disciplined simply because they acted appropriately by reporting this information to the police.

Failing to report suspicious activity and materials could result in penalties similar to failure to report child abuse set out in the Children and Family Services Act.

The province has specialized units in the RCMP and the Halifax Regional Police who investigate tips from the public.

Nova Scotia is the third province to propose legislation to deal with suspected child pornography. Manitoba passed a law in 2007 and Ontario has recently introduced similar legislation. This law is consistent with the government's Crime Strategy, Time To Fight Crime Together.