Policing Services

Ontario Sex Offender Registry

Christopher's Law: The story behind the Ontario Sex Offender Registry

Ontario's Ontario Sex Offender Registry was sparked by the brutal 1988 murder of 11-year-old Christopher Stephenson at the hands of a convicted pedophile on federal statutory release. At the inquest into Christopher's death, the coroner's jury recommended creating a national registry for convicted sex offenders, requiring them to register with their local police service.

Christopher's death highlighted the need to provide police services with greater ability to monitor convicted sex offenders in our communities. Agreeing with the jury's recommendations, the Government of Ontario took the initiative and introduced legislation to create Canada's first provincial registry of convicted sex offenders.

With the encouragement and support of the Stephenson family, victims' groups and law enforcement organizations, Christopher's Law (Ontario Sex Offender Registry 2000) was proclaimed on April 23, 2001, making the Ontario Sex Offender Registry a reality.

Christopher's Law represents a vital step in fighting crime, protecting vulnerable children and adults and safeguarding our communities.

Update: December 5, 2008 – News Release: McGuinty Government Amends Christopher's Law To Improve Community Safety