Supreme Court Decision and Bill S-240 Video and Letter to MP

Template: Letter to Your MP Demanding Strong Sentences for Child Sexual Abuse Material

Subject: Protect Children and Survivors – Don’t Remove Mandatory Minimums on CSAM

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing as a concerned [parent/community member/etc.] to urge you to protect children and survivors of sexual abuse by supporting strong, mandatory minimum sentences for anyone who possesses or shares child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

These crimes are not just “images” or “videos.” They are records of real children being sexually abused. Every time someone views or shares these files, the child is retraumatized, and it fuels further abuse. Mandatory minimum sentences are necessary to ensure offenders face real consequences and to send a clear message that these crimes are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The recent Supreme Court decision to remove the one-year mandatory minimum sentence is deeply concerning. While it is important for judges to have flexibility in rare cases, this ruling risks letting offenders receive little or no jail time. It could lead to inconsistent sentences and sends the wrong message to those who harm children: that these crimes might not always be taken seriously. Survivors of CSAM already face ongoing trauma knowing their abuse is being shared repeatedly. Our justice system must stand firmly with them, not the offenders.

Bill S-240, the Act to Amend the Criminal Code (child sexual exploitation), is a crucial step in this fight. It strengthens Canada’s ability to hold offenders accountable, reinforces the seriousness of these crimes, and works to protect children and survivors. By supporting Bill S-240 and maintaining strong sentencing provisions, including mandatory minimums, Parliament can ensure that our laws reflect the severity of CSAM offences and deliver justice for survivors.

Removing mandatory minimums does not make our justice system fairer, it makes it weaker. It fails to recognize the lifelong trauma each child experiences. Every child who is abused deserves justice that reflects the severity of the crime, and every Canadian deserves to know that our laws protect children and hold offenders accountable.

I urge you to act by supporting Bill S-240 and ensuring that anyone who possesses or shares CSAM faces meaningful, consistent consequences. Keeping strong sentences is not about being harsh, it is about protecting children, supporting survivors, and sending a clear message that sexual abuse will not be tolerated. Every child deserves to grow up safe, and every survivor deserves justice.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this urgent matter. I hope you will stand with survivors and children by supporting Bill S-240 and strong, consistent sentences for CSAM offences.

[Name, Province, Email, Phone Number]

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn-NwW5kOJ0

Defend Dignity – Mandatory Minimums – Letter to your MP [Template]