The province modernized the Public Safety Act to tackle criminal activity and update 911 services
Nova Scotia has amended and introduced laws to address new public safety issues such as intimate image abuse.
The province updated the Public Safety Act, including the Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act, the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, the Emergency 911 Act, the Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, the Companies Act, the Co-operative Associations Act, and the Societies Act. It also introduced the Conservation Officer Service Act.
Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act changes
The Act will now shield victims of intimate images created or modified using artificial intelligence tools and other digital means. The law will also include new provisions covering livestreamed content.
The legislation will broaden the circumstances in which affected individuals can seek assistance and enhance enforcement. Moreover, the default presumption will be that an intimate image was shared without consent unless proven otherwise, lightening victims’ burden.
Thus, victims can seek help when they revoke consent to share an intimate image or when they have been threatened with the distribution of such an image.
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act changes
The reforms will bolster the civil process addressing properties that threaten community health, safety, or security. It will broaden the types of activities that can be investigated, including human trafficking, gang and criminal organization activity, sexual exploitation, and trafficking in stolen property.
The maximum closure period for a property will be increased from 90 days to 1 year. Nonetheless, the Nova Scotia government confirmed that while the changes tackle safety concerns connected to properties through a civil process, it is not a replacement for the criminal complaints process.
Emergency 911 Act changes
The amendments reflect current technology and improve information sharing. They also include privacy and cybersecurity provisions and support the federal initiative for improved 911 service, Next-generation 9-1-1.
Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter changes
The Nova Scotia government has been authorized to protect emergency helicopter flight paths to hospital helipads through the regulation of building heights within designated flight corridors.
Companies Act, Co-operative Associations Act, and Societies Act changes
The amendments facilitate the quick dissolution of entities listed as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code.
New Conservation Officer Service Act
The law will consolidate current authorities into a single framework centered on protecting the province’s natural resources, environment, Crown lands, forests, and wildlife. It clarifies officer’s ability to respond to immediate public safety concerns experienced while in the course of their duties.
The Act sets firm operational boundaries between conservation officers and police agencies.
“Nova Scotians deserve to feel safe in their homes, online and in their communities. 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,” said Scott Armstrong, Nova Scotia attorney general and justice minister, in a statement.
