Open letter to Canadian MPs
As you are aware, on November 5, 2009, the second hour of debate on motion M-388 was completed:
That in the opinion of the House, for greater certainty, the government should take steps to ensure that counseling a person to commit suicide or aiding or abetting a person to commit suicide is an offence under section 241 of the Criminal Code, regardless of the means used to counsel or aid or abet including via telecommunications, the Internet or a computer system.
Carleton University student Nadia Kajouji was 18 years old, experiencing depression, and was counseled by an internet predator who posed as a young woman and encouraged Nadia to commit suicide. Currently it is unclear whether or not charges will be laid.
As parliamentarians, we have an opportunity and obligation to stand in defence of the most vulnerable. Internet predators who take advantage of these vulnerable persons must be held accountable for their actions and a clear deterrent message is needed. There is widespread grassroots support as 11,000 Canadians have signed their name in support of this cause.
I am heartened by the fact that in both hours of debate no speaker expressed disapproval of M-388. Members from all parties indicated their personal support. I encourage you to vote in support as well, when this motion comes up for vote November 18th. Simply put, M-388 calls on the Government to update the Criminal Code to reflect the realities of internet communications. This is something I believe we can all support without equivocation.
Harold Albrecht is the Conservative MP for Kitchener-Conestoga.
