Names and addresses for some sex offenders could soon become public as the federal government announced a new bill Friday aimed at combating sexual predators.
A public, high-risk child sex offender registry is just one of the nine proposals highlighted in the proposed "tougher penalties for sexual predators act."
Justice Minister Peter MacKay made the announcement at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre in Calgary Friday. He said a child's right to safety trumps an offender's right to privacy.
"This isn't to encourage vigilantism," MacKay said. "It's to encourage protecting children from past proven behaviours."
Canada does currently have a sex offender registry but the names and personal information of those on the list are not public.
Under the new proposal, personal information about high-risk child sex offenders for whom a public notification was issued will be available to the public.
Among the other proposals in the bill — which was formally introduced in the House of Commons Feb. 26 — are plans to share more information about offenders with the United States.
It's not clear what the criteria would be for that information-sharing to take place but MacKay says the decision would likely be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with police.
As well, the legislation proposes making it legal for spouses of those facing child pornography charges to be compelled to testify against their partner.
(Above Randy Filipovic of High River Canada)
Randy tried to keep his identity secret but the
hard work of Rick Dyer exposed him! Dyer and
his Team plans to send out letters to all his neighbor's
tomorrow!
hard work of Rick Dyer exposed him! Dyer and
his Team plans to send out letters to all his neighbor's
tomorrow!
