"Be Aware. Stop Child Prostitution" Ad Campaign at Canterbury High School

Remarks by
The Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

May 15, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario
As delivered

Thank you, Laura and Kelly. And thank you to the police officers and to each one of you here today.

Canterbury is really an amazing school. I was lucky to get the opportunity to see and hear a number of students from the school's choir a couple of weeks ago on Parliament Hill.

This is National Police Week. It's a great opportunity to remind people about the incredible work that police officers do to keep us safe. Our uniformed men and women put themselves in harm's way every day for us all. National Police Week gives us a chance to acknowledge their dedication.

Looking to the issue of child prostitution – it's something not many of us like to talk about. So when a group of young people like you comes forward with a poster campaign to say that you don't want it happening in your community – that has impact.

As Minister of Public Safety, one of the areas under my responsibility is policing. I was able to visit the RCMP's Child Exploitation Centre where officers are engaged in the fight against the online sexual exploitation of children. The work is demanding and they need more capability.

In Budget 2007, the Government of Canada allocated $12 million over two years to the RCMP to help them protect children from sexual exploitation and combat human trafficking.

We're also changing some laws. The age of consent in Canada is 14 years. Police officers have been advising us for a while now that we need to raise that to 16 – like it is in most other countries.

We're doing what we can, but our cause is furthered when people like you help to get the message out. Your public awareness campaign supports our efforts at building safer and better communities.

As for the police officers, it's important that you are helping to prevent crime. Students, you've done incredible work here.

I want to thank you for being part of this project. It's great work that the students have done and you're opening up your hearts and allowing your talents to be used to create a better community and a better society.

I want to thank you for your commitment. And thank you for not being afraid to stand up and influencing your community.

Thanks very much.