The federal government is out with its long-awaited bill aimed at tightening rules surrounding Internet content.

On Monday, Justice Minister Arif Virani tabled Bill C-63 also called the “Online Harms Act”. If passed, the regulation will strengthen protections for children, enhance punishment for online child sexual exploitation, and bring in penalties for internet hate crimes. It also will create a new “digital safety oversight body” to compel internet sites to adhere to the rules or face penalties.

“I am the parent of two young boys. I will do whatever I can to ensure their digital world is as safe as the neighbourhood we live in,” said Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

“Online platforms must take responsibility for addressing harmful content and creating a digital world where everyone can participate safely and freely.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says his party will oppose what he calls Trudeau’s “most recent assault on freedom of expression,” stating the Liberal government should not dictate what qualifies as online hate speech.