Government of Canada Launches On-Line Consultations to Seek Views on Criminal Code Prostitution-Related Offences

Public Input to Inform Government's Response to Supreme Court of Canada's decision on prostitution


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 17, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

The Government of Canada today launched a public on-line consultation with Canadians to seek their views and input, to help inform the Government's response to the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Bedford v. Attorney General of Canada. On December 20, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada found three Criminal Code prostitution-related offences unconstitutional.

Quick Facts

  • The Supreme Court of Canada suspended the effects of its decision for one year, to allow for the government to respond to the unconstitutionality of certain offences. Those offences relate to:

    • Indoor prostitution (e.g., in a house/apartment, massage parlour or strip club);

    • Providing services to prostitutes (e.g., as a bodyguard or driver); and,

    • Communicating for the purposes of purchasing or selling sexual services in public places, e.g., in the street.

- Canadians can access a web page on the Department of Justice's website to provide their input.

- The on-line consultation will be live from February 17 to March 17, 2014 and all Canadians are invited to provide their thoughts and views on the issue.

Quotes

"Our Government is concerned about the significant harms that flow from prostitution to communities, those engaged in prostitution and other vulnerable persons. Doing nothing is not an option - we are therefore asking Canadians right across the country, to provide their input, through an on-line consultation, to ensure a legislative response to prostitution that reflects our country's values. We will be taking action to maintain the safety of our streets and communities, for the benefit of all Canadians."

Justice Minister Peter MacKay

Associated Links

Public Consultation on Prostitution-Related Offences in Canada

Statement by the Minister of Justice Regarding the Supreme Court of Canada Ruling in Attorney General of Canada V. Bedford et al.

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Contact Information:

Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
613-957-4207