Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The Canadian Government recently passed Bill C-36, the “Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act” in response to a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that found many parts of the existing law concerning prostitution in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and therefore unconstitutional. At first glance, the Government seems to have accomplished exactly what they intended with this controversial new law regarding prostitution, but many will argue the new legislation is less about policy and more about politics. Furthermore, some experts believe the bill will in fact worsen the situation for sex workers. It is believed Bill C-36 will also be challenged in the courts and that the new law will end up back before the Supreme Court. The speaker will weigh in on the legal aspects of the new legislation and speculate on its durability. Speaker