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 offenses 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 : www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/curr-cours/proscons-conspros/index.ht .. 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.

“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

Public Consultation on Prostitution-Related Offenses in Canada : www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/curr-cours/proscons-conspros/index.ht ..

Statement by the Minister of Justice Regarding the Supreme Court of Canada Ruling in Attorney General of Canada V. Bedford et al. : canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2013/doc_33020.html

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Contacts:

Paloma Aguilar

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Justice

613-992-4621

Media Relations Office

Department of Justice

613-957-4207