Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz is welcoming federal legislation announced lasat week to crack down on cyberbullying.
"Our government is committed to helping ensure that our children are safe from online predators and from online exploitation," said Ritz in a statement after legislation that targets the distribution of intimate images was announced by the government this week.
According to a news release from Ritz's office Wednesday, the legislation being proposed will ban the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, empower the courts to order the removal of intimate images from the Internet, permit the court to seize the computer, cell phone or electronic device used in the offence, provide reimbursement for victims and impose a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The legislation comes during Bullying Awareness Week and on the heels of a number of anti-bullying awareness events around the country and also in North Battleford, where a weekend Bully Free Battlefords event drew around 500 people to the Don Ross Centre.
It also comes in the wake of recent tragedies across the country involving teens who have taken their own lives as a result of cyberbullying. A local teen, Todd Loik, took his own life this fall and his family has pointed to bullying as a factor.
Ritz mentioned Loik's family in his statement.
"We have an obligation to help put an end to harmful online harassment and exploitation. We owe it the Loik family and to all families who have tragically lost loved ones, or who have been affected by such acts," said Ritz.
The government has also pointed to other efforts and tools to stop cyberbullying in its news release, through resources such as NeedHelpNow.ca and the GetCyberSafe.gc.ca campaign. Ritz said this new legislation sends a message.
"Through this legislation, our Conservative government is sending the message that the bullying and sexual exploitation of our children is a crime and will not be tolerated."
