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Speak Up

While the Internet is a useful tool that makes everyday tasks that much easier, there is a downside. It has provided predators with a direct route to our most vulnerable citizens - our children.

This is why our government is doing more to keep our children safe. With the passage of the Tackling Violent Crime Act the age of consent went from 14 to 16. Young teenagers are now better protected from sexual predators thanks to this legislation.

Our government also made the largest ever contribution to a non-governmental organization. Last January, the newly-created Canadian Centre for Child Protection received $2 million to handle more leads from the public about the suspected online exploitation of children.

This funding will also raise public awareness and help the centre develop educational materials for children and their parents.

With the increase in the age of consent our government is sending a message to so-called international "sex tourists" who travel around the world preying on vulnerable children: you are not welcome in Canada.

Because child exploitation is also an international crime, our law enforcement agencies continuously work with our international partners to rescue victims and track down and help prosecute those who try and hide behind the anonymity of the Internet.

Protecting our children and keeping them safe is a priority for all levels of government. We are happy to work with our provincial and municipal partners, as well as our nation's frontline police forces, to ensure those who prey on our children are brought to justice.

I invite you to visit my website at http://www.robmooremp.com to keep up with developments in Ottawa. I also enjoy hearing from constituents and welcome your feedback and questions on issues important to you at moorer@parl.gc.ca.

n Rob Moore is MP for Fundy Royal. His column appears biweekly in Riverview This Week. To reach him, please e-mail moorer@parl.gc.ca.