A federal member of Parliament in the ruling Conservative government has come out in support of Britain's plan to legislate opt-in permission to view pornographic websites, and said she would like to see a similar program in Canada.
Joy Smith, who represents the Manitoba riding of Kildonan-St. Paul, released a statement saying: “I applaud Prime Minister [David] Cameron for his bold approach to work with internet service providers to develop solutions to protect children.”
Tom Copeland, chairman of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers, responded that the concept of blocking adult-oriented websites has been discussed in Canada without any widespread support.
With Parliament adjourned for the summer, it is unclear if Smith's concept will be backed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. His July Cabinet shuffle put new ministers in charge of both the justice and public safety portfolios, and it is anticipated that he will introduce a new legislative agenda this fall.
