HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s justice minister says he has “grave concerns” about a federal Supreme Court decision to strike down mandatory minimum sentences for accessing or possessing child pornography.

In a 5-4 ruling last week, the Supreme Court found that a one-year minimum sentence was unconstitutional, saying it violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Scott Armstrong has responded to the Oct. 31 court decision in a statement, calling it deeply troubling and saying it raises serious questions around whether the punishments will reflect the severity of the crime.

The Progressive Conservative is a former school principal, and says he has seen first-hand the harm that sexual exploitation of children can cause.

Armstrong says he will share the province’s concerns with federal Justice

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