Canada has included in its Criminal Code provisions that allow for the arrest and prosecution of Canadians in Canada for offences committed in foreign countries related to child sex tourism, such as child prostitution, as well as for child sexual exploitation offences, such as indecent acts, child pornography and incest. Convictions carry a penalty of up to 14 years' imprisonment. Many other countries have passed similar laws.

In addition, most foreign countries are vigorously enforcing existing national laws to combat sexual exploitation of their children within their borders by foreign visitors. Harsh penalties such as long prison sentences - and, in some countries, the death sentence - are imposed on offenders who sexually exploit children.

The Canadian Criminal Code provisions relating to child sex tourism (Bills
C-27 and C-15A) came into force on May 26, 1997, and July 23, 2002, respectively. The Canadian Criminal Code now asserts extraterritorial jurisdiction for the following offences relating to sexual exploitation of children:

• sexual interference
• invitation to sexual touching
• sexual exploitation
• anal intercourse
• making, distributing, making available, transmitting, selling or possessing child pornography
• indecent acts/exposure
• prostitution of a person under 18 years

More information on these and other related provisions of the Criminal Code can be obtained from the Department of Justice Canada.

BACK TO TOP

A Word to Canadian Parents

Children often travel abroad as part of school sport trips or educational exchange programs. Things can go wrong. Canada's consular representatives are available worldwide to help you and your child in situations where your child has voiced a complaint regarding sexual abuse while in a foreign country.

In the event of a sexual assault by a Canadian against another Canadian, consular officials are available to put you in touch with law enforcement authorities to determine whether the Canadian Criminal Code provisions apply. In other cases of possible sexual assault, or indeed if there are any other difficult or traumatic incidents involving your child while in a foreign country, Canadian consular representatives can assist by:

• checking on the welfare of your child
• facilitating contact with the relevant authorities
• contacting relatives in Canada
• providing a list of local doctors and lawyers
• ensuring that treatment by the courts and law enforcement officials is equal to the standards applied to nationals of that country

BACK TO TOP

What to Do

If you have any questions, complaints or information concerning these issues, please contact the local police authorities in Canada. If you are abroad, consular representatives at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with information and assistance.

For more information about child sex tourism, please write to:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Consular Affairs Bureau
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2
E-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca

This publication and other travel information is also available through the Travel section of the FAC Web site: www.international.gc.ca

Consular Services

Canadian government offices abroad
www.voyage.gc.ca/alt/canoffices.asp

• Users exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced;
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada be identified as the source department; and
• the reproduction not be represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.