A coalition comprising advocacy groups, health organizations, and a telecommunications firm has united to urge the federal government to reimpose legislation safeguarding children from online exploitation. The coalition convened in Ottawa on National Child Day to emphasize the need for swift action by Parliament in addressing online bullying and abuse.
Andrea Chrysanthou, chair of Children First Canada, voiced concerns over the current state of child safety online, highlighting the urgency for protective measures. The coalition, which includes Telus, children’s hospitals such as Sick Kids and CHEO, and advocacy organizations like the Child & Youth Advocacy Centres of Canada and the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, stressed the critical nature of safeguarding children in the digital realm.
Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasized the significance of online child protection, stating it reflects the values of the country and shapes a future that aligns with Canada’s ideals.
In June 2021, the federal government introduced Bill C-36 to combat hate propaganda, crimes, and speech online. However, due to a subsequent federal election, the bill lapsed without undergoing committee debate. Subsequently, in February of the following year, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, aimed at addressing online content that harms children, hate speech, and violence incitement.
The coalition has initiated a 40-day campaign called the Countdown for Kids to pressure the government to reintroduce the legislation before the year concludes. They advocate for the creation of an independent regulator to enforce compliance on online platforms and to establish a duty of care for these platforms to prevent and address online harms against children.
Recent statistics revealing a rise in online child sexual exploitation incidents and cyberbullying cases have underscored the need for urgent action by the government. The coalition’s plea for swift legislative action is driven by the escalating threats faced by children in the online space.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser indicated that the federal government is deliberating whether to revise or reintroduce the Online Harms Act, originally proposed in 2024. The Liberals have committed to criminalizing the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes and introducing legislation to protect children from online exploitation, providing law enforcement with enhanced tools to combat such crimes.