The following is a TEMPLATE (only) Letter to use as a guide you to write to your MPP/MP around stronger sentencing and penalties for crimes against minors. Feel free to use it as a guide to write your own letter and include any personal stories to strengthen your stance.
Together, our voices can amplify the message that we demand better and our children MUST be protected.
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Dear [MP/MPP Name],
I am writing to you as a concerned parent and constituent regarding the ongoing protection of children in Canada from sexual exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
Across our country, families expect that those who commit sexual offences against minors face strong consequences that reflect the seriousness and lifelong harm of these crimes. While the Criminal Code currently provides mandatory minimum penalties for several child sexual offences — often ranging from 90 days to one year depending on the charge — many parents believe these penalties do not adequately reflect the gravity of offences against children.
For example, current minimum penalties include:
* Sexual interference (s.151): minimum 1 year (indictment) or 90 days (summary)
* Invitation to sexual touching (s.152): minimum 1 year or 90 days
* Sexual exploitation (s.153): minimum 1 year or 90 days
* Luring a child (s.172.1): minimum 1 year or 6 months
* Accessing child sexual abuse material: minimum 1 year (indictment) or 6 months
As parents, we are deeply concerned about:
• The adequacy of minimum sentences for crimes against minors
• The possibility of repeat offenders being released into communities where children live
• The need for stronger deterrence and public safety measures
We strongly believe that child trafficking and sexual abuse against a minor should be met with the harshest possible penalties, including consideration of life imprisonment for the most serious offences and repeat or aggravated cases.
We respectfully call on your office to:
1. Review and strengthen minimum penalties for sexual offences against minors
2. Examine whether life imprisonment should be available or expanded for the most serious child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences
3. Consider legislative reforms that prioritize child safety in bail decisions for these offences
4. Ensure repeat or high-risk offenders face appropriately severe consequences
5. Improve transparency and public confidence in how these cases are handled
Protecting children should remain a non-partisan priority. We urge you to work with your federal/provincial colleagues to examine whether current laws are meeting the expectations of Canadian families and to pursue reforms where gaps exist.
We would appreciate a written response outlining what actions you and your party are taking — or plan to take — to strengthen protections for children.
Thank you for your time and for your service to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City/Postal Code]
[Email]
[Optional: Phone]
