Nova Scotia’s attorney general and justice minister expressed opposition on Saturday to the recent Supreme Court of Canada ruling that struck down mandatory minimum jail sentences for the possession or access of child pornography. The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision on Friday deemed the one-year mandatory minimum sentence as unconstitutional under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Justice Minister Scott Armstrong stated that he intends to discuss the province’s concerns with his federal counterpart, Sean Fraser. Armstrong, a former school principal, emphasized the significant harm caused by the sexual exploitation of children. He raised doubts about whether the punishments for these offenses will effectively reflect their severity and the harm inflicted.
Armstrong highlighted that mandatory minimum sentences serve to convey that exploiting children is a grave crime deserving serious consequences. His stance aligns with other political figures who have criticized the ruling. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also opposed the decision and urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its stance.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took a stronger stance, indicating that if elected, he would utilize the notwithstanding clause to reinstate mandatory minimum sentences for offenses related to child pornography.