The one question to ask when your MP comes knocking
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
Image source: Jason Hafso, Unsplash
If you've been spending any time reading the news, you know that the Canadian federal election is coming, and coming quick! You have probably already started hearing from the candidates in your riding or receiving invitations or mail related to election campaign events.
As a justice seeker and friend of IJM, you may be wondering, “Is there anything I can do to make a difference in this election?”
The answer is: YES!
IJM is a non-partisan organization who works with all people and governments interested and willing to take actions that will protect people in poverty from violence and exploitation.
Since the release of IJM’s Scale of Harm research and reports from the Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council, we have become deeply concerned about the role Canadians play in contributing the online sexual exploitation of children.
1 in 100 children in the Philippines are victims of this crime, and Canada ranks fourth in sending suspicious financial transactions to the Philippines flagged for child sexual abuse.
So the question we are asking every Member of Parliament is this:
Will you reintroduce online safety legislation?
With skyrocketing rates of online child sexual abuse, it is clear that Canada desperately needs new online safety legislation. Online safety legislation is a critical tool in holding perpetrators of online child abuse accountable for their crimes and decrease the rate of online child sexual abuse.
For this legislation to be impactful it needs to:
- Ensure livestreamed child sexual abuse is specifically included in the legislation
- Is informed by Canadian victims and survivors of online sexual abuse, and victims and survivors in the Philippines and other countries who have been abused by Canadians
- Mandate safety by design features for tech manufacturers and social media platforms that will prevent, report, and disrupt child sexual abuse materials
- Include reporting on private messaging and video-chat platforms and features
The government started the most recent legislative process on this issue in 2024. In the spring, the Liberal Government introduced Bill C-63, Online Harms Act. In the fall, a private member’s Bill was put forward by Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, Bill C-412, An Act to enact the Protection of Minors in the Digital Age Act and to amend the Criminal Code.
Both pieces of legislation were cancelled in January 2025 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, and Parliament was prorogued.
It is not guaranteed that the next government will reintroduce online safety legislation. They need to hear from you that it matters and must be introduced immediately.
We need every Canadian and every Member of Parliament to push for legislation that will prevent, disrupt, and improve reporting for online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
So when your MP comes knocking at the door to ask for your vote, be sure to ask them:
Will you reintroduce online safety legislation?
Prefer to write an e-mail instead? Don't worry, we've got you covered. You can download the template below and e-mail it directly to your MP.
We would love to hear how your advocacy activities go! You can email advocacy@ijm.ca with the responses you receive from MPs and any advocacy related questions.
Now is the chance for Canadians to take action and demand better care for children in Canada and around the world. No child should be sexually abused and exploited online.
Thank you for raising your voice with us this election season. We hope to hear from you soon!
