Pictured MP Aspin with North Bay Anti-bullying Summit Co-Chair, Sylvie Vannier
Nipissing–Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin
News Release
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Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, applauded the introduction of the new Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act by Justice Minister, the Honourable Peter MacKay today.
“I am very pleased with the proposed changes to the criminal code to fight cyberbullying,” said MP Aspin. “Bullying in all its forms is a very serious issue. It certainly does not stop at school or the school bus. Cyberbullying can be particularly harmful through the distribution of intimate and personal images over the internet. As we have seen in past year, the impact on victims and their families can be disastrous.”
The legislation being introduced today would:
- Prohibit the non-consensual distribution of intimate images;
- Empower a court to order the removal of intimate images from the Internet;
- Permit the court to order forfeiture of the computer, cell phone or other device used in the offence;
- Provide for reimbursement to victims for costs incurred in removing the intimate image from the Internet or elsewhere; and
- Empower the court to make an order to prevent someone from distributing intimate images.
“I am glad that our Government is taking strong, proactive measures on this new social issue,” said MP Aspin. “There will be many challenges to fight bullying and cyberbullying ahead, but this is a first step. It was a pleasure to be joined by Sylvie Vannier for this announcement. Sylvie is the North Bay Anti-Bullying Summit Co-Chair. Fighting bullying is a community effort and I am glad leaders in Nipissing-Timiskaming are doing their part.”
Earlier this week MP Aspin recognized Nov. 17-23 as National Bullying Awareness Week, he encouraged fellow MPs to wear pink to raise awareness.
More information about the new cyberbullying legislation can be found here:
http://justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2013/doc_32994.html
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