HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s justice minister says he has “grave concerns” about a federal Supreme Court decision to strike down mandatory minimum sentences for accessing or possessing child pornography.
In a 5-4 ruling last week, the Supreme Court found that a one-year minimum sentence was unconstitutional, saying it violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Scott Armstrong has responded to the Oct. 31 court decision in a statement, calling it deeply troubling and saying it raises serious questions around whether the punishments will reflect the severity of the crime.
The Progressive Conservative is a former school principal, and says he has seen first-hand the harm that sexual exploitation of children can cause.
Armstrong says he will share the province’s concerns with federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser and urge the minority Liberal government to take action.
Other Conservative leaders have strongly opposed the ruling as well, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, with federal Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre saying his party would use the notwithstanding clause to reinstate the minimum sentence.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2025
