By Janet E Silver | PUBLISHED December 18, 2024 4:00pmET
Justice Minister Arif Virani is appealing to the “better principles nature” of his opposition colleagues to pass the section of the recently split Online Harms bill that protects children.
On Dec. 4, Virani announced his government was splitting Bill C-63, to prioritize the passage of protections for children from sex predators, revenge porn and other online harms.
In an interview for CPAC’S Online Harms and Cyberbullying Town Hall, Virani said the bill was split because his government believed they could get consensus to pass the portion of the bill on protections for children.
“I’m very confident that that’s the right solution,” Virani said. “It needs to pass, and that’s why I’m putting a lot of effort and political capital on the line … because ultimately, at the end of the day, lives are at stake here, and that’s important.”
Virani said he has heard from many parents, including Carol Todd, Amanda Todd’s mother, that without a new law, victimization of her daughter continues. Amanda Todd committed suicide in 2012 after being cyberbullied and a victim of sextortion. Amanda’s images remain online.
The other portion of the bill addresses inciting violence, terrorism and hate speech. It would require amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code. Opponents argue these amendments would create backlogs and limit free speech.
If the online protections for children section passes, it will force social media platforms to take down child sexual abuse material and revenge porn within 24 hours or pay a heavy penalty.
Social media companies have been working with the Minister’s office to get the bill to committee, Virani said.
“They’ve realized that more needs to be done to protect children around the world and in Canada, and they’re willing to work with us in that regard.”
Though the government split the bill, Virani insists his government will push to get both sections passed.
According to Statistics Canada, hate crimes have been on the rise across the country since 2019.
“We've heard people that support the bill. We've heard people that want the bill refined to provide more clarity. I'm all ears and willing to entertain good faith suggestions to improving the hatred components of this bill,” Virani said.
The Online Harms bill was first introduced in the House of Commons in February 2024. Since late September, it has stalled in Parliament due to a Conservative filibuster that aims to force the Liberal government to hand over documents related to a green tech fund and alleged misspent public funds.
Shortly after Virani announced he was splitting the bill, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights held three hearings to pre-study it. Until the bill is read for a second time in the House, it cannot proceed further in committee. MPs are set to return to Parliament on Jan. 27.
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