Skip to content

MP introduces Putting Victims First Act

Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen has introduced legislation to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to establish a mechanism where youth victims of sexual exploitation can more easily lift a publication ban, allowing them to share their story publ
viersen at BHD county
Authored by Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen, Bill C-463, which is titled the Putting Victims First Act, would offer more protection to victims of sexual exploitation who are 16 and 17 years old.

Peace River-Westlock MP Arnold Viersen has introduced legislation to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to establish a mechanism where youth victims of sexual exploitation can more easily lift a publication ban, allowing them to share their story publicly.

Bill C-463, which is titled the Putting Victims First Act, would offer more protection to victims of sexual exploitation who are 16 and 17 years old.

Specifically, it would amend the Criminal Code so that courts could place orders on sexual offenders preventing them from having contact with youth who are 16 and 17.  Currently, such orders can only prevent sexual offenders from having contact with youth under the age of 16.

As well, Bill 463 also introduces “reverse onus bail” for human trafficking offences. Reverse onus bail refers to a bail hearing where the offender must show cause as to why they should be allowed to enter the community when their cases are before the court.

“While the Criminal Code guides our justice system, little of it is designed to protect victims of crime, especially those who are vulnerable,” said Viersen.

“The Putting Victims First Act seeks to empower victims of crime and is consistent with the values set out in the federal Victim’s Bill of Rights.”

In a June 20 interview, Viersen indicated that all three components of the legislation arose from the consultations he conducted last summer with different groups that work with victims of crime, including groups in Edmonton and Calgary.

Viersen indicated the bill would be part of a plan to combat human trafficking if and when the Conservative Party is elected to power in the fall election.

Viersen acknowledged that publication bans in sexual assault cases are generally placed for the protection of the victim, especially when the offender is a family member.

However, while publication bans are meant to protect victims, they also have the effect of “double silencing” victims who want the bans lifted when their case is resolved.

Viersen said this specifically arises from the case of Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year-old high school student who committed suicide after photos of her being sexually assaulted at a party circulated online.

Two boys were eventually charged with making child pornography and they pleaded guilty. However, because they and Parsons were under 18 at the time, a publication ban was implemented.

Parson’s family opposed the ban, as it prevented them from speaking publicly about the case.

Publication bans will still be implemented in the future, but Viersen said the intent of his legislation was to make the process of having the ban lifted “less onerous” for victims and their families.

“Victims should not have to fight to speak and share their story,” Viersen noted.

He noted that the lifting of publication bans would still need to be signed off on by a judge.

Regarding the portion of the bill calling for reverse onus bail for human traffickers, Viersen said that trafficking victims must be empowered to come forward knowing that their trafficker or pimp will not be on the street within hours of their arrest.

“Reverse onus bail on trafficking offences will put the safety and well-being of victims ahead of those who traffic them,” he said.

Since Bill C-463 was introduced and received first reading, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has issued a statement indicating they support the objectives of the legislation.

The national charity dedicated to the personal safety and protection of children said the legislation will enhance the options to protect 16 and 17-year-old youth from being sexually victimized.

As well, the centre said the bill would provide “much-needed clarity” to victims of sexual crimes who wish to have publication bands lifted.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to find ways to better protect and support victims of sexual violence,” the centre stated.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks