Released on April 18, 2013
The Saskatchewan Government declared its support today for Nova Scotia’s efforts to ensure victims are protected from cyberbullying.
Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry is requesting support from the provinces and territories to advance changes to the Criminal Code to ensure victims are protected from non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
Earlier this week, Saskatchewan Justice Minister Gordon Wyant wrote to Landry offering the support of Saskatchewan Justice in Nova Scotia’s review of the Rehtaeh Parsons case.
“Of course, these issues are not particular to Nova Scotia,” Wyant said in his letter. “They affect the safety and well-being of young people all across Canada, including here in Saskatchewan.”
Wyant said he is pleased that the Nova Scotia government and the federal government are making the issue of cyber-bullying a high priority.
“It is becoming increasingly apparent across Canada that cyberbullying is a national problem that requires a national response,” Wyant said. “I look forward to discussing this issue further with my colleagues on April 24 when we meet with federal Justice Minister Nicholson in Ottawa.”
Saskatchewan supports efforts to combat Internet based crime such as cyberbullying through efforts like the RCMP-operated Canadian Anti-fraud Centre and Cybertip.ca.
The Regina, Prince Albert and Saskatoon Police Services, in partnership with the RCMP, also receive funding from the Province for 11 dedicated officers to investigate cases of Internet child exploitation.
According to the most recent numbers from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, roughly one in ten Canadian adults reported cyberbullying or luring against at least one child in their household. Almost three quarters of those adults indicated the child who had been cyberbullied was female.
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For more information, contact:
Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca