REGINA – The government of Saskatchewan is throwing its support behind efforts by Nova Scotia to protect victims from cyberbullying.
The support comes after Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry asked for support from the provinces and territories to make changes to the Criminal Code to ensure victims are protected from non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
Landry made the request after announcing his province was launching a review into the death of Rehtaeh Parsons.
Parsons, 17, committed suicide earlier this month after she was allegedly raped by four boys in November 2011. A picture of the alleged assault and Parsons’ family said their daughter was subjected to bullying afterwards.
“It’s becoming increasingly apparent across Canada that cyberbullying is a national problem that requires a national response,” said Saskatchewan Justice Minister Gordon Wyant.
“These issues are not particular to Nova Scotia. They affect the safety and well-being of young people all across Canada, including here in Saskatchewan.
According to the most recent numbers from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, roughly one in ten adults reported cyberbullying or luring against a child in their household, with almost three-quarters of those female.
Wyant said he will discuss the issue further when justice minister from across Canada meet in Ottawa on April 24.
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