QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Mandatory Minimum Penalties
November 4, 2025
Welcome back, leader.
On October 31, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled the one‑year mandatory minimum jail sentences for the most heinous crime of accessing or possessing child pornography are unconstitutional.
In response to this split 5-4 ruling, like most Canadians, Manitoba’s NDP premier, Wab Kinew, strongly condemned this ruling. He said:
Child sexual abuse images and video, this is like one of the worst things that anyone can do. Not only should [you] go to prison for a long time, they should bury you under the prison. You shouldn’t get protective custody.
Leader, do you stand with the Manitoba’s NDP premier in denouncing this Supreme Court ruling?
Thank you for your good wishes, Senator Carignan.
The government is aware of the Supreme Court’s split ruling, and is looking at what action it can take against such crimes in the future.
We clearly agree with the first part of what the premier said, namely, that crimes related to the abuse or exploitation of children are the most reprehensible and heinous crimes anyone can commit. I’ve been informed that, in the months to come, the government intends to introduce measures from its election platform to better protect children from these horrible crimes. We vehemently condemn crimes against children and every form of child abuse.
Thank you. I can see that a little rest enabled you to find answers to questions. I appreciate that.
Will the government also take advantage of the Bill C-14 study to reintroduce mandatory minimum sentences for sexual crimes against minors, which are among the most heinous crimes of all?
Senator Carignan, I was under the impression that I had answers prior to my medical incident. I’m sorry you haven’t found that to be the case. However, I will strive to keep up the good work.
As I said, the government is currently studying the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling. Our information suggests that the government intends to take quick action on this type of crime, not only on crimes against children, but also on everything bail-related.
