Most sex workers in Canada are comfortable in their work, according to a national survey of prostitutes, their partners, clients and managers.

The study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and based on hundreds of interviews in six communities, found that 70% of sex workers are satisfied with their jobs. Eighty-two per cent feel they are appropriately paid and 68% feel they have good job security.

“They don’t see themselves as victims in the sense that they’ve been portrayed in the current [prostitution criminalization] bill,” said lead researcher Cecilia Benoit. “They’re actually a lot like you and I. They just haven’t had quite so many advantages in some cases.”

During debate over the Conservative government’s new prostitution law, Bill C-36, which seeks to abolish the industry by criminalizing it, the bill’s supporters have portrayed sex work as intrinsically exploitative.

The Conservatives brought in C-36 after the Supreme Court struck down the old law. It is expected to become law this winter.

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