moved for leave to introduce Bill C-246, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (child sexual predators).
Mr. Speaker, the bill was introduced previously by a former colleague of mine, the member for Calgary Northeast, Art Hanger. I am honoured, privileged and pleased to carry on his great work in his effort to ensure that the safety of our children is first and foremost in the minds of all.
The bill would amend the Criminal Code to establish the offence of child sexual predation, carrying a minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Most important, it would cover cases of, not just a simple sexual assault, but cases of sexual assault on a child that involved repeated assaults, multiple victims, repeated offences, more than one offender, an element of confinement or kidnapping, or an offender who is in a position of trust with respect to that child.
The bill also makes related amendments to the Criminal Code, as would be expected, and amends certain other acts in consequence.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)