moved for leave to introduce Bill C-219, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sexual exploitation).
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to introduce my private member's bill today, an act to amend the Criminal Code, sexual exploitation.
I would like to thank the member for Portage—Lisgar for seconding this bill.
This bill was introduced in the previous Parliament as Bill C-424. It is designed to better protect young people and persons living with disabilities from sexual exploitation. This is a direct result of the advocacy, comments and concerns of the people of Perth—Wellington. They were shocked in January 2018 to learn that a person who was employed to work with young people and persons living with disabilities was convicted of a serious sexual crime against a person living with a disability. As a sentence, he received a monetary fine.
This bill would ensure appropriate sentencing for anyone who commits a serious sexual crime against a young person or a person living with disabilities. It provides for guidance in sentencing if the crime is committed against a young person or a person living with disabilities.
I look forward to continuing debate on this matter, and I am seeking the support of all hon. members in the House.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)