Legislation Strengthens Public Safety, Protects Nova Scotians

**** NS Gov Release Legislation Strengthens Public Safety, Protects Nova Scotians --------------------------------------------------------- New legislation introduced today, September 10, will help keep Nova Scotians safer online and in their communities by keeping laws responsive to evolving needs and public safety concerns. The Public Safety Act includes measures to better support victims of intimate image abuse, address properties linked to serious criminal activity, establish a modern framework for conservation officers, modernize 911 services, protect emergency helicopter flight paths and enable the rapid shutdown of entities listed as terrorist organizations. “Nova Scotians deserve to feel safe in their homes, online and in their communities,” said Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “These changes will provide stronger protections for victims, improve our ability to address serious public safety concerns and make sure our laws keep pace with new and evolving risks.” Amendments to the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act will extend protections to people affected by intimate images created or altered using artificial intelligence tools and other digital means. There are also new provisions around livestreamed content. The amendments will also expand the circumstances in which victims can seek help, strengthen enforcement and reduce the burden on victims by presuming an intimate image was shared without consent unless proven otherwise. Changes to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act will strengthen the civil process for addressing properties that threaten the health, safety or security of communities. Amendments will expand the types of activities that can be investigated, including human trafficking, gang and criminal organization activity, sexual exploitation and trafficking in stolen property. They will also create administrative efficiencies, such as increasing the maximum closure period for a property from 90 days to one year. The new Conservation Officer Service Act will bring existing authorities into one clear, modern framework. It will give officers the clarity, consistency and accountability they need to protect Nova Scotia’s natural resources, environment, Crown lands, forests and wildlife while also providing clarity in their ability to respond to immediate public safety concerns encountered in the course of their duties. Other amendments will: - modernize the Emergency 911 Act to reflect current technology, strengthen information-sharing, privacy and cybersecurity provisions, and support Next-generation 9-1-1, a federal initiative for improved 911 service - give the Province authority in the Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter to protect emergency helicopter flight paths to hospital helipads by regulating building heights within designated flight corridors - amend the Companies Act, Co‑operative Associations Act and Societies Act so entities listed as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code can be quickly dissolved. Quotes: “Every day, conservation officers serve Nova Scotians by protecting our forests, wildlife, Crown lands, natural resources and the communities we all value. As their work becomes more complex, especially in emergency response and public safety situations, we have a responsibility to give them the clear, modern framework, support and accountability they need to do their jobs safely, confidently and effectively.” — Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources Quick Facts: - victims will be able to seek help in more situations under the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act, including when consent to share an image has been revoked or someone has threatened to distribute it - the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act addresses safety concerns connected to properties through a civil process; it does not replace the criminal complaints process - the Conservation Officer Service Act will maintain clear operational boundaries between conservation officers and police agencies Additional Resources: Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills