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Disposition of resolutions continued have recently been passed by the One tario legislature. This legislation will bring commercially distributed videotape cassettes under the authoriâ€" ty of the Ontario Censor Board, now named the Ontario Film Review Board, and provides for the licensing of video distributers and retailers. For years Mr. Murtry has been ex- pressing alarm at the widespread and increasing distribution in our com- munity of publications and video tapes catering to the most twisted and vicious instincts of some cruelly sick men and women. if he can discour~ age the publication and distribution of any magazine or book or film that panders to that kind of instinct, he will. Recently Mr. McMurtry pro posed the establishment of a small federal-provincial task force to plan better responses to violent crime in Canada. Enclosed was an eight page copy of a partial text of remarks he made at the Confederation Club, Kit- chener, October, 1984, referring to publications that glorify violence and that an aroused community can make a difference. In his reply to this resolution, the Minister of Communications, Mr. Massc, thanked Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario for providing him with our views on pornographic material on television. an issue of considerable concern to the govern- ment. He stated that, “Action has been taken at both the legislative and regulatory levels to ensure that sexâ€" ually abusive programming is not available on the Canadian broad- casting system and to promote more positive portrayals of women in the broadcast media. Bill C720 was in~ troduced in the House of Commons on Dec. 20, 1984, (by Mr. Masse). Bill Câ€"20 will deal with the problem of abusive programming. particularly as it relates to women, Bill C-20 will amend the Broadcasting Act to make explicit the government's commit- ment to the principle that all Canaâ€" dians have the right to programming that respects the dignity and equali- ty of all individuals and groups. Short of legislative reformtfederal initiatives in this area must, of course. be taken within the con» IO H St C Summer '85 straints of the existing legal framework. Pursuant to the Broad- casting Act. broadcasters themselves are responsible for the material they air. The act also states that the CRTC is responsible for the regulation and supervision of all aspects of the Canadian broadcasting system. For its part, the CRTC has taken regulatory action to prohibit abusive programming. On November 8, 1984, in CRTC Public Notices 1984â€"274 and 275, the CRTC an- nounced the enactment of new pay television regulations. as well as amendments to the radio and televi- sion regulations dealing with abusive programming. These reguiations pro- hibit the broadcoast of "any abusive comment or abusive pictorial repreâ€" sentation that when taken in context tends or is likely to expose an in- dividual or group or class of in- dividuals, to hatred or contempt on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability”. Resolution 8. Re â€"- Violent repeat offenders. This resolution was forwarded to the Minister of Justice, The Honourable John Crosbie, and to the Attorney General, The Honourable Roy McMurtry, Mr. Michael Leshner. Counsel, replied for the Attorney General. He stated that the Criminal Code con- tains provisions dealing with dangerous offenders who repeatedly commit crimes involving violence and/or sex. The Attorney General has consented to more dangerous ofâ€" fender applications than all the other provinces combined. The success ratio of those applications has been very high. When a person is declared by the Court to be a dangerous 0f- fender, he or she is held in custody for an indefinite period until the Na- tional Parole Board determines that the person can safely be released in» to society. The Honourable John C. Crosbie, Minister of Justice, asked the Chief of Staff, James A. Good to reply to the resolution on repeat offenders, Mr. Good thanked Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario for in- fortning the Minister of the concern expressed by our members in regard to repeat offenders. He also apoli- gized for the delay in replying, Mr. Good stated that, “The Mm, ister is presently reviewing Iegislatr _ proposals which would provide 1; ,7 courts with better means for prom ing the public against violent a: dangerous criminals, l'undamcnta reform the sentencing provisiom Canadian criminal law, and inelt several provisions designed to ma the criminal justice system m. responsive to victims of crime. .Crosbie intends to proceed with st amendments to the Criminal Code soon as possible.” Resolution 9. Re â€" Urging Canadian Government to strive to a leader in the global nuclear disal- amen! movement. This resolution was forwarded to 7 Right Honourable Brian Mulron Prime Minister of Canada. In his reply to this resolution a the correspondence concerning Mr. Mulroney thanked me for in ing on behalf of our members on 1 important issue of nuclear disat" ament. He stated, "I share the profou concern felt by Canadians over l threat of nuclear war and believe tl we, as a middle and non-nuclt power, can be influential in l search for a lasting peace. During - recent meeting with President Reag. l addressed the issue of nuclear e armament. I told the President th while we are encouraged by the sumption of talks between his ; ministration and the Soviet Unit we realize that the negotiations m. but the beginning of a long and duous process. Nevertheless, we main hopeful that mutual, balant and verifiable arms control agri. merits can be reached. Only throu a reduction in the dangerously hi levels of nuclear weapons will create a more stable world. 0 greatest obligation is to leave 0 children a world in which they c. live harmoniously, secure in 1 knowledge that there will be a pt mising future for succeeding genet ‘- tions. Together, we can work realize this objective.