Sex work is not illegal
Sex work has never been illegal in Canada. However, some of the activities connected to sex work are against the law. The federal government, through the Criminal Code, regulates some of the activities associated with sex work, including:
- running or frequenting a bawdy house or an indoor premise where sex work takes place (Section 210)
- transporting a person to a bawdy house (Section 211)
- procuring or living on the proceeds of the sex work of another person (Section 212)
- obtaining or attempting to obtain the sexual services of someone who is under 18 in exchange for money, clothes, shelter or anything else of value (Section 212.4)
- all forms of public communication for the purposes of sex work (Section 213)
Municipal and provincial governments do not have jurisdiction over regulating sex work, although some of their laws and policies affect places where sex work takes place.
The role of the police
The police are the main body that enforces the sex work industry laws. In Vancouver, this is carried out by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The focus of the police is to ensure the safety of all citizens, including sex workers, business people and residents. While some activities related to sex work are illegal, anybody is free to stand in public spaces, such as in front of businesses, at bus stops or on sidewalks. If you have concerns or your business is being affected, see Tools for residents and businesses.
The police department deals with sex work and sexual exploitation in areas such as:
- Sex worker liaison—A police officer provides support and intervention for sex workers, provides referrals and works closely with sex worker organizations.
- Youth services—This department pursues a safe, secure and positive environment for youth through asset building, youth programs, prevention initiatives, interventions, information gathering and community partnerships.
- Sex crimes and child abuse—A dedicated child and sexual assault/assault team, with an in-house counsellor, deals with these issues.
- Domestic violence—The police and Family Services of Greater Vancouver collaborate to support women and children who are experiencing violence in their relationships.
- School liaison program—Police officers are assigned to schools to serve in a liaison role between schools and the criminal justice system and deliver safety and crime prevention information about sexual exploitation to students, staff and parents.
- Vice—The Vice Unit investigates files related to child exploitation, Internet luring, child pornography, street-level sex work, bawdy houses, pimping and human trafficking.
- Diversity—A Diversity Unit works with specific populations, including sex workers, who have significant public safety issues.
- Sister Watch Project – a multi-faceted operation, is designed to combat violence against women in the Downtown Eastside and make the community safer for everyone who lives and works there.
- Gang crime—a Gang Crime Unit disrupts the criminal activity of street gangs, ethnic-based gangs, organized-crime groups and outlawed motorcycle gangs through enforcement and prosecution.
- Community response teams—Several teams and cars provide services for specific groups of youth (Yankee 10 for youth probation, Yankee 20 for high-risk youth, Car 86 for child protection and Car 87 for mental health).
- Missing persons—This unit investigates missing persons (adults, children and youth).
There is more information, on the Vancouver Police Department’s website or call 604-717-3535.
