Proposed bill more reflective of sex crimes: Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Center

“Anything that is done with a child in a sexual nature is never consenting and is always abuse,” she said.

As a former Crown prosecutor, who focused on internet and digital sexual offences against children, Caputo said he’s fully aware of the damage crimes of this nature inflict on children.

“We need to call it what it is, and it’s sexual abuse of children. Let’s not butter up what’s happening,” Caputo said. “It’s an absolutely horrific offence. Let’s call it what it is.”

Caputo says the fact that the bill was passed unanimously through the house shows that parliament and the public are ready for this change.

“This is a change that’s long overdue. Sitting here before you in February of 2023, I’m just so excited I get to say we made this change,” Caputo told CFJC News. “I made a promise and I kept it and I’m proud of that.”

Johnson believes if passed, this bill will bring a sharper focus on the victims of sexual abuse.

“It shifts the way we’re thinking about these things and really puts attention on the crime that’s been perpetrated against victims or survivors in these cases,” she said.

The bill, which has received support from all parties, will now need to pass multiple readings and debates in the senate before it can be passed into law.

by Sydney Chisholm

Proposed bill more reflective of sex crimes: Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Center

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