QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Age-Verification Legislation
February 8, 2024
Senator Gold, today I released two poll questions demonstrating that 77% of Canadians agree with using age verification to prevent children from being exposed to pornography that is increasingly violent and hardcore. In fact, 77% of Canadians agree with my bill.
In these circumstances, how do you explain the government’s apparent change of heart or about-face? In short, why did it decide in December that it wouldn’t support this bill or otherwise promise to act on this issue, which, frankly, is a public health problem so pressing that several countries have taken steps to address it?
Thank you for the question and for the work you have done and continue to do to advance this important issue.
As senators are aware, the government is developing a bill to combat online harm. It is seriously considering all aspects of this issue to ensure that the bill is developed and creates a fair balance between all interests, including and especially the protection of young people, but also privacy protections.
We look forward to the introduction of this bill and the discussions we will have here in the Senate as soon as that happens.
I’m still surprised, Senator Gold, because nine months ago, in the middle of the debate on Bill C-11, the government said that it understood and that it was going to address the issue of pornography.
However, in December, when the government ruled that my bill was, from its point of view, null and void, it made no promise that it would address this problem, which affects millions of children who see disturbing images.
Thank you for your question and your comments. Once again, this matter is currently being examined, and as soon as a bill is finalized, Canadians will be informed.
