CANADA: Canada Has Two-Tier Sex Trade: Report

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

CANADA: Canada Has Two-Tier Sex Trade: Report

Edmonton Sun (12.14.05) - Friday, December 16, 2005
Kristen Vernon

Researchers with the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network are calling on the government to decriminalize prostitution and end what some call Canada's two-tiered sex trade. Toronto- based CHALN claims that while federal law overlooks prostitution in upscale massage parlors and escort services, sex workers on the streets are deprived of the most basic protection.

"Having sex for money is legal in Canada, but sex workers can't do their jobs legally or safely because of this country's outdated criminal laws," said Glenn Betterridge, author of the CHALN report, which was released Tuesday. CHALN wants the government to repeal laws on brothels, prostitution- related communication, and profiting from prostitution. It is also calling for sex work to be recognized under employment standards and occupational health and safety laws.

HIV Edmonton Executive Director Sherry McKibben applauded the call to decriminalize prostitution. But she added that decriminalization must be coupled with efforts to address addiction and poverty.

Kate Quinn, executive director of the Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton, said the best way to protect the human rights of sex workers is to provide them with real choices for a dignified life, and that means tackling the root causes of poverty and homelessness. "We cannot look to laws to be the tools to create social justice," said Quinn, who noted that repealing prostitution laws would deprive the police of the legal tools needed to prosecute pimps and others who exploit sex workers.
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