Statement By Public Safety Minister Vic Toews On Safer Internet Day
In addressing the Government of Canada’s role in ensuring the safety of our children online, The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, issued the following statement recognizing Safer Internet Day:
“Safer Internet Day serves as an important reminder to all Canadians that we all have a role to play when it comes to staying safe in an online world.
Through the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, the Government works to enhance the tools required for prevention, investigation and prosecution of those who prey on children online. We will continue to address this serious crime through the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre and our valued partners such as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
Combatting online sexual exploitation is part of the Government’s efforts to make the Internet a safer place. That commitment also includes protecting Canadians and our digital infrastructure from cyber threats, as reflected in Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy. “Get Cyber Safe”, our national public awareness campaign, is a key component of the Strategy. The campaign website, GetCyberSafe.ca, helps Canadians understand the cyber threats they face online and the simple, straightforward steps they can take to minimize these risks. We all benefit from being safer online.”
Canada is proud to be part of Safer Internet Day 2012, an international effort, which draws attention to the need for individuals, families, and the public and private sectors to be aware of the risks and to use the tools and resources available to help them stay safe online.