Staying Focussed on What Matters Most to Canadians

The Conservative Government is continuing to work hard this summer and is staying focused on what matters most to Canadians.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice is currently studying the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (Bill C-36). The Act, introduced by the Minister of Justice in June, is in response to the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in Canada v. Bedford. We want to ensure that Canada’s laws and the criminal justice system continue to address the significant harms that flow from prostitution to those engaged in prostitution and to other vulnerable persons, while protecting Canadian communities.

The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act is making prostitution illegal for the first time; the impact of the new prohibitions will be borne by those who purchase sex and persons who exploit others through prostitution.

Prostitution hurts Canadian communities and the most vulnerable Canadians. We are therefore committed to protecting Canadian communities by making it illegal to sell sexual services in or near any public place where children could be present.

Conservative MPs on the Justice Committee further acted on our commitment by tabling a motion to criminalize prostitutes if they communicate for the purpose of selling sex next to a school, playground or daycare centre. Although NDP and Liberal Justice Committee members objected to this motion, the Conservative majority on the committee allowed it to pass.

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Bill C-36 would protect our communities – in particular women, children, and those who are at risk of being drawn into prostitution – from the dangers associated with prostitution, including violence, drug-related crime, and organized crime.

Recognizing that the overwhelming majority of prostitutes are looking to leave this dangerous and harmful line of work, there will be an emphasis on funding programs with a proven record of helping prostitutes exit the sex trade. These measures will therefore be supported by $20 million in new funding, including support to grassroots organizations dealing with the most vulnerable prostitutes.

This past spring, our Government also passed a number of bills that support victims and put the safety of Canadian families first. For example, in response to concerns from victims and their families, we passed the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act. This bill will help ensure that the safety of communities and victims are paramount in the decision making process for those found NCR. It implements some common sense reforms, such as creating a “high-risk” designation which would block the release of those that may pose a danger to their victims or the general public, without jeopardizing their ability to receive treatment. It will also enhance victim involvement in the process and give them a more effective voice.

At the same time, we were able to introduce the landmark Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. The Victims Bill of Rights will permanently entrench the rights of victims into a single document at the federal level—a first in Canadian history. It will guarantee that the justice system recognizes a victims’ right to information, protection, participation and restitution.

Canadians can also be proud that our Government delivered two important pieces of legislation—the Fair Elections Act and the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act— that will help safeguard our democracy and protect the value of Canadian citizenship.

Randy Hoback, MP
Prince Albert