MP Joy Smith Urges B.C. to Reconsider Position on Prostitution Related Charges
By Contributor
Joy Smith, leading Canadian anti-human trafficking advocate and Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, urged B.C.’s Attorney General, Hon. Suzanne Anton reconsider her decision to not proceed with prostitution related charges, announced February 7, 2014.
“It is shocking that B.C. has joined Ontario and New Brunswick in unilaterally deciding without consultation to stop prosecuting these offences, putting the most vulnerable at risk,” said MP Smith. “Counter exploitation and vice units in B.C., Ontario and New Brunswick rely on these offences as important tools to tackle human traffickers and predators,” added MP Smith. “Recently, a cross-Canada inter-agency operation rescued underage girls from prostitution and arrested eight traffickers through the 30 city ‘Operation Northern Spotlight’”.
Federal Minister of Justice Peter Mackay also made a clear statement on Wed. Jan. 29, 2014 that:
“While the administration of justice is a matter of provincial jurisdiction, Canadians expect criminal laws in this country to be properly enforced so long as they remain in force. The Supreme Court of Canada made very clear in its decision that the current laws with respect to prostitution were to remain in force for twelve months. This gives Parliament the chance to respond.”
Unfortunately, Attorney Generals from B.C., Ontario and New Brunswick have decided they will not be pursuing cases involving the bawdy house, living on the avails of prostitution or communication offences.
“It is regrettable that B.C.’s announcement came on the heels of a national anti-sex trafficking advocacy campaign launched by survivor support organizations, including two from B.C.,” said MP Smith. “Survivors of sex trafficking are calling for governments to tackle pimps and sex buyers; not give them free reign to target women.”
“Any province still deciding on their approach to prostitution offences should consider carefully and respect the Supreme Court ruling that Canada’s prostitution laws remain in effect until December 19, 2014, or risk putting the lives of victims of sexual exploitation in danger,” said MP Smith.
“I call on all Canadians in their respective provinces to contact their provincial Attorney General to ensure Canadian laws continue to be enforced and that the most vulnerable are protected,” said MP Smith.
“To set a precedent that arbitrarily applies the laws unequally across our nation, as B.C., Ontario and New Brunswick have done, is a reckless move,” said MP Smith.
This article is a press release from Joy Smith’s office.
