M.P. Nater Re-introduces Bill to Protect Vulnerable Canadians


For Immediate Release

Ottawa, ON – John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington has introduced Bill C-219 in the House of Commons. The bill, originally introduced in the previous Parliament as Bill C-424, will better protect young people and Canadians living with disabilities from Sexual Exploitation.

“This is a direct result of the advocacy, comments and concerns from the people of Perth—Wellington.” said M.P. Nater “They were shocked in January 2018 to learn that a person who was employed to work with young people and persons living with disabilities was convicted of a serious sexual crime against a person living with a disability. As a sentence, he received a monetary fine.”

Bill C-219 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sexual exploitation) proposes to better protect Canadians living with disabilities from becoming victims of sexual crimes by introducing a requirement that the courts consider if the victim has a mental or physical disability as an aggravating circumstance when sentencing those found guilty of Section 286.1 (1) Obtaining sexual services for consideration or Section 286.1 (2) Obtaining sexual services for consideration for person under 18 years.

This Bill further proposes to amend the Criminal Code by increasing the range of sentences available for courts to impose on individuals found guilty of Section 153 (1) Sexual exploitation and Section 153.1 (1) Sexual exploitation of a person with disability.

“I look forward to continuing debate on this matter, and I am seeking the support of all Honourable Members in the House.” said M.P. Nater.

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Media Contact

Keith Mitchell
Office of John Nater, M.P.
John.nater@parl.gc.ca
613-992-6124