Stock photo courtesy of Mel Arnold, MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap / Facebook

By Liam Verster

Child Abuse and Exploitation Material

Bill sponsored by local MP to rename child pornography becomes law

Oct 11, 2024 | 3:00 PM

A federal bill sponsored by the local Member of Parliament has become law.

The Senate granted final legislative approval for a private Member’s bill to replace the term ‘child pornography’ in the Criminal Code and other federal statues to the term ‘child sexual abuse and exploitation material’ Thursday, Oct. 10.

“Words matter,” Mel Arnold, MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap and a sponsor of the bill, said.

“For too long, the Criminal Code contained a misnomer that failed to reflect the reality of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and the harms inflicted on victims. This change to our laws is a small but important amendment that must be followed by other actions to fight child sexual abuse and exploitation.”

The bill, C-291, was tabled by Arnold and Frank Caputo, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, in 2022. Caputo, a former Crown prosecutor who dealt with prosecuting internet and sexual offences against children, was the one who drafter the bill.

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“It is a profound honour that bill C-291, drafted by me and sponsored by MP Mel Arnold, has officially become law,” Caputo said.

“During my campaign, I spoke with many constituents in Kamloops— Thompson—Cariboo, expressing my commitment to addressing how we, as Canadians and Parliamentarians, tackle sexual offenses against children. I am grateful to return to my community and share the success that MP Arnold and me achieved together. However, there is still much work to be done in this area, and I remain dedicated to continuing this important effort.”

A release from Arnold’s office stated that it’s rare for a private Member’s bill to become law, noting less than than four per cent of private bills had become law in the past ne years.

“The unanimous support that carried this bill to completion is a reflection of the common sense of the legislation,” Arnold stated.

“I look forward to working with MP Caputo and all Parliamentarians to achieve more common-sense legislation to fight child sexual abuse and exploitation.”

The local MP added he remains “committed to collaborating with Parliamentary colleagues to deliver legislation and policies that increase safety and prosperity for citizens, our communities, and our nation.”