Bill C-268: Minimum Sentence of 5 Years for Traffickers of Minors

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Bill C-268 is before the Senate. The bill seeks to amend the Criminal Code to require a minimum sentence for offences that involve trafficked persons under the age of 18. It’s a right step forward to protect minors and deter traffickers, and also bring criminals to justice.

In order to be passed before the summer break our Senators need to pass it without any amendments. Here is the text of a letter I sent to the Albertan Senators. I encourage you to copy it and e-mail it to them.

Here is a sample letter you can email Senators:

Dear Senator,

I implore you to do all in your power to see Bill C-268 pass without delay. I’m concerned that our laws are not tough enough against the perpetrators of crimes against minors, especially as they relate to trafficking of persons under the age of 18. As a concerned Albertan, I request that you give Bill C-268 your full support. It is a step in the right direction to see tougher laws for perpetrators of unimaginable crimes, and it will make a safer, more just Canada.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

For Albertans, you can write the following Senators who represent you: gautht@sen.parl.gc.ca, brownb@sen.parl.gc.ca, fairbj@sen.parl.gc.ca, mccoye@sen.parl.gc.ca, mitchg@sen.parl.gc.ca, tardic@sen.parl.gc.ca

For All Other Canadians, here is where you can get your Senators’ email addresses

You can read the full Bill here.

Here is an excerpt, the important amendment is in the first paragraph below:

BILL C-268

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years)

R.S., c. C-46

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

1. Paragraph (a) of the definition “offence” in section 183 of the Criminal Code is amended by adding the following after subparagraph (xlvii.1):

(xlvii.11) section 279.011 (trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years),

(

2. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 279.01:

Trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years		279.011 (1) Every person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours a person under the age of eighteen years, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person under the age of eighteen years, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation is guilty of an indictable offence and liable
		(a) to imprisonment for life and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six years if they kidnap, commit an aggravated assault or aggravated sexual assault against, or cause death to, the victim during the commission of the offence; or
		(b) to imprisonment for a term of not more than fourteen years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of five years, in any other case.