Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in January of this year, there was a landmark BC Supreme Court ruling that may have a detrimental effect in keeping our children safe from sexual predators. In British Columbia, the Supreme Court struck down a section of the criminal code that outlaws possession of child pornography, ruling that the law violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Mr. Speaker, it is only a matter of time before the production and sale of child pornography increases. Although this ruling only applies to British Columbia, unless there is a successful appeal, this ruling may have national implications. The sexual assault of children is a serious issue in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is protecting pedophiles from prosecution and yet, children are being sexually exploited in order to produce this material. Is this not a blatant infringement upon the rights and freedoms of our children? The Liberal Party first put forward a motion urging the Prime Minister to take immediate action to override this ruling. However, the federal government believes that the existing child pornography law is constitutional, therefore, it would have to reach the Supreme Court of Canada for a final decision.
Mr. Speaker, how should we balance equal protection of an individual versus freedom of expression? Children are entitled to equal protection from sexual exploitation yet, according to one court, pedophiles are entitled to possess this material. There is a serious imbalance in this supposed constitutional framework. Mr. Speaker, this decision must be challenged and corrected to ensure the proper protection that our children not only need, but deserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause