|
|
|
|
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to
|
|
|
(a) amend the child pornography provisions with respect to the type
of written material that constitutes child pornography, and with
respect to the child pornography defences;
|
|
|
(b) add a new category to the offence of sexual exploitation of young
persons and make additional amendments to further protect children
from sexual exploitation;
|
|
|
(c) increase the maximum penalty for child sexual offences, for
failing to provide the necessaries of life and for abandoning a child;
|
|
|
(d) make child abuse an aggravating factor for the purpose of
sentencing;
|
|
|
(e) amend and clarify the applicable test and criteria that need to be
met for the use of testimonial aids, for excluding the public, for
imposing a publication ban, for using video-recorded evidence or
for appointing counsel for self-represented accused to conduct a
cross-examination of certain witnesses; and
|
|
|
(f) create an offence of voyeurism and the distribution of voyeuristic
material.
|
|
|
This enactment also amends the Canada Evidence Act to abolish the
requirement for a competency hearing for children under 14 years of
age.
|
|