The province is accepting all 12 of the recommendations made in a review of its cyber bullying laws.
The review found the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act is working as intended to keep people safe from cyber-bullying and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
But it also found the complaint process for victims needs to be improved, along with public awareness of the laws.
“We have a responsibility to keep people safe online, so it was important to review the legislation to make sure that it continues to remain effective and responsive to the needs of victims and their families,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Brad Johns. “The feedback we received has been valuable in helping us see where we can improve our services and supports.”
Recommendations included improving legal, mental health and crisis support for victims, creating a centralized, trauma-informed referral process and improved training for CyberScan staff, the team in charge of helping victims understand their options and navigate the justice system.
CyberScan team members opened 703 cases in the province between July 2018 and March 2022.
The team has also made more than 500 cyber-safety presentations in schools and communities, reaching more than 16,000 youth and adults
Children and youth are particularly at risk of being victims of cyberbullying and/or non-consensual sharing of intimate images, according to the review.
The Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act was made law in July 2018; It replaced Canada’s first cyberbullying act, the Cyber-safety Act, passed in 2013.
As part of the legislation, a review of the 2018 Act was required. That review got underway earlier this year, including public consultations with more than 460 people in January and February.
If you believe you are the victim of cyberbullying or that your intimate image was shared without consent, call CyberScan at 902-424-6990 or toll-free at 855-702-8324.
