From “Child pornography” to “Child sexual abuse and exploitation material:” Why updated terminology in federal laws is a milestone for survivors
Lianna McDonald, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection
For over 30 years, federal legislation in Canada has used the term “child pornography” to describe what are in reality horrific scenes of sexual violence and exploitation against children.
Today, this comes to an end.
The term “child sexual abuse and exploitation material,” “CSAEM” for short, will now officially replace former terminology across several federal laws. This change was long overdue.
As a result of Bill C-291, tabled in 2023, the language of our laws will finally more accurately reflect the abuse and exploitation offenders inflict upon victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The Bill was passed last October, but now comes into force today.
Our organization has been publicly advocating for this change in language since 2016. But even before that time, our team recognized the problematic nature of the original terminology. We reluctantly used it in often limited legal contexts, but in our overall writings, government submissions and international work, we had long adopted the term that is now formally in use.
Language matters, shapes perceptions
Referring to images and videos of children being sexually exploited, or even horrifically abused isn't even remotely related to “pornography.” This association long minimized the abuse at hand and desperately needed to stop.
The term “pornography” suggests a level of agency, consent, complicity, and even legitimacy behind these images. But these are not pornographic materials; they are evidence of a crime scene. They are also a permanent record of sexual abuse and potential lifelong trauma.
Words matter.
They have the power to frame how we perceive harm, and they shape how systems — law enforcement, the courts, government, media, and more — respond to it. We must all actively ensure that the language we use is intentional, informed, and truthful.
Now that Ottawa has made these important reforms, we hope this precedent will spur provincial governments to take similar action and update the terminology used within their respective acts and regulations.