Close X
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Justice minister insists new prostitution bill will protect sex workers

Darpan News Desk Canadian Press, 09 Sep, 2014 11:37 AM

    Canada's justice minister is insisting that once passed, the Conservative government's new prostitution bill will mean safer conditions for sex workers.

    Peter MacKay testified this morning before a Senate committee studying Bill C-36, the government's response to last year's Supreme Court decision striking down the existing prostitution law.

    Opponents of the new bill say it doesn't address the high court's assertion that the old law violated the rights of sex workers by exposing them to undue risk.

    They say prostitutes will be placed at greater risk under the new law, since prospective clients will face arrest, making transactions more fraught with danger.

    But MacKay says the bill gives sex workers the ability to create better working conditions and immunity from prosecution if they seek help from police.

    Still, he says he expects the courts will scrutinize the new legislation closely and examine individual cases as they arise.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Labour Movement Redefining Role As Face Of Canada's Workforce Changes

    Labour Movement Redefining Role As Face Of Canada's Workforce Changes
    Labour Day celebrations across Canada this year come at a time when organized labour is in the midst of redefining its role in the workforce as a decline in the manufacturing industry and the rise of contract and part-time workers has challenged its traditional focus.

    Labour Movement Redefining Role As Face Of Canada's Workforce Changes

    Coffee And Kittens: Cat Cafe In Montreal Claims To Be North America's First

    Coffee And Kittens: Cat Cafe In Montreal Claims To Be North America's First
    A new Montreal cafe is hoping plenty of people do. The Cafe des Chats, which opened its doors on Saturday, is a lot like a regular coffee house — except it's home to eight cats.

    Coffee And Kittens: Cat Cafe In Montreal Claims To Be North America's First

    Three People In Custody After Police Search A Nanaimo Home

    Three People In Custody After Police Search A Nanaimo Home
    NANAIMO, B.C. - Two men and a woman are in custody after RCMP in Nanaimo, B.C., searched a house that had stolen firearms and other property inside.

    Three People In Custody After Police Search A Nanaimo Home

    B.C. Teachers' Dispute: Mediator Walks Away, Ending Hopes Strike Will End Before School Starts

    B.C. Teachers' Dispute: Mediator Walks Away, Ending Hopes Strike Will End Before School Starts
    RICHMOND, B.C. - Veteran mediator Vince Ready has walked away from talks between British Columbia teachers and their employer, smothering parents' hopes the school year will start on time.

    B.C. Teachers' Dispute: Mediator Walks Away, Ending Hopes Strike Will End Before School Starts

    Car And Bus Collide On Vancouver Bridge, But No One Injured

    Car And Bus Collide On Vancouver Bridge, But No One Injured
    Const. Brian Montague says no one was injured in the accident and says officers probably will not investigate the collision because no people were hurt.

    Car And Bus Collide On Vancouver Bridge, But No One Injured

    Almost Half Of Those Taken To Hospitals After Bus Crash In B.c. Released

    Almost Half Of Those Taken To Hospitals After Bus Crash In B.c. Released
    MERRITT, B.C. - Almost half of the passengers taken to hospitals after a tour bus flipped over on a British Columbia highway have been released.

    Almost Half Of Those Taken To Hospitals After Bus Crash In B.c. Released