So why is it important to change these laws?
Over the years, Canadians have started to recognize the need for change. In the last few years, over 140 sex workers have either disappeared or been murdered in Canada, especially in Vancouver and Edmonton. These are clear signs that we need to learn to protect our sex workers better.
Canada must also change the Criminal Code, but also provincial and municipal laws as these too affect sex workers’ health and rights. The changes of these laws should be based on these three things:
1. Evidence from sex workers themselves and from reliable research.
2. The government’s human rights obligations under international law.
3. The human rights guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
(Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, 2005)
http://maggiestoronto.ca/uploads/File/Sex-work-rights-(HALN).pdf