OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 3, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada
The Government of Canada today held a consultation with a number of stakeholder representatives to seek their views and input, which will 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 in Bedford for one year to allow 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);
- Living wholly or in part on the avails of prostitution of another person; and
- Communicating for the purposes of purchasing or selling sexual services in public places, e.g. in the street.
- Canadians are welcome to access a web page on the Department of Justice's website to provide their input on the issue.
- The on-line consultation will be open 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 consulting not only with all Canadians, but also with representatives from a cross-section of interest groups, to seek their views and input to inform our response to prostitution. The government is taking action to maintain the safety of our streets and communities by ensuring that a legislative response truly reflects Canadian values."
Justice Minister Peter MacKay
Associated Links
Public Consultation on Prostitution-Related Offences in Canada
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Contact Information:
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
613-957-4207