Recent legal developments have raised serious concerns about the future of Ontario's (and Canada's) sex offender registry, particularly regarding individuals convicted of serious sexual offences against children.

Here is the context behind the case that triggered this decision:

2010 – An Ontario man, Roberts, pleaded guilty to eight sexual assault charges involving multiple victims, including at least one child. As required under Ontario law, he was automatically placed on the province’s sex offender registry.

2024 – Roberts intentionally failed to register, challenging the constitutionality of the registry law.

2026 – Justice Davin Garg ruled that the current registry legislation is unconstitutional, resulting in the non-compliance charge being stayed.

This ruling has raised serious concerns about whether the current legal framework is strong enough to maintain a functioning registry while respecting constitutional requirements.

While courts must ensure that laws comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is critical that legal technicalities do not create gaps that weaken protections for children, survivors of sexual violence, and the public.

Sex offender registries exist to support law enforcement and protect communities. They play an important role in investigations and in monitoring individuals who have been convicted of serious sexual crimes. When registry requirements are weakened or removed without adequate legislative solutions, public safety can be placed at risk.

Survivors already face enormous barriers when navigating the justice system. Reporting sexual violence, participating in legal processes, and rebuilding trust in institutions are difficult enough. When policies designed to protect the public are weakened or uncertain, it further undermines confidence in the system meant to provide accountability and safety.

Canada can and must maintain a sex offender registry that is both constitutionally sound and effective in protecting communities.

Protecting children and survivors must remain a central priority of our justice system.

We are calling on the Federal and Provincial Government to act quickly and responsibly to ensure that the integrity of the registry is maintained while addressing any legal concerns raised by the courts.

Our Requests

We urge the Government of Ontario to:

1. Take immediate legislative action to ensure individuals convicted of serious sexual offences—particularly offences involving children—remain subject to effective registry requirements.
2. Introduce reforms that maintain a strong and constitutionally compliant sex offender registry that prioritizes public safety and accountability.
3. Engage survivors, advocacy organizations, and public safety experts in the development of any reforms affecting sexual violence policy.

Protecting children and supporting survivors must remain fundamental priorities of our justice system.

Legal decisions should never result in gaps that weaken public safety or reduce accountability for serious sexual offences.

We urge Canada's and Ontario’s leaders to act swiftly to ensure that the sex offender registry remains strong, constitutional, and focused on protecting communities.

Petition Author

The Survivor Collective | Project Medusa

A survivor-led initiative advancing survivor-centred policy reform and community safety in Canada.

Visit: www.projectemedusa.org

Petition Target

• Attorney General of Ontario
• Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
• Members of Provincial Parliament (Ontario)